Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jon Coghill
Sunny Coast Showdown: Action Stations!
Sunny Coast Showdown: Action Stations! Image source: Contributed Little did I know when co-founding the Sunny Coast Showdown presented by Bendigo Bank Community Bank (Marcoola, Cooroy, Tewatin-Noosa)* with Dan Munday and the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective in 2021, that it would take a village to raise this child. It’s been a pleasant child at times, a confusing one at others, and a downright contemptuous one at its worst.
Time for a Showdown with Sunny Coast Showdown
Time for a Showdown with Sunny Coast Showdown Image source: Contributed Six local filmmakers have won the chance of a lifetime with their film and TV projects going into production with the Sunny Coast Showdown presented by Bendigo Community Bank (Marcoola, Cooroy, Tewantin-Noosa). The not-for-profit talent incubator offer local writers, producers and filmmakers the chance to win funding, support and mentoring to produce their own film and TV ideas.
Banking on a local film industry with Bendigo Community Bank Sunshine Coast
Banking on a local film industry with Bendigo Community Bank Sunshine Coast Image source: IN Noosa Magazine For one, the place was packed with people getting out cash to last them the weekend. It was a sociable little outing – causing trouble with your schoolmates and half the town. And secondly, getting cash wasn’t as boring as using a hole in the wall. No way.
Bribie Island's Birth of Venus sculpture hidden after complaint from resident
A Queensland council will replace a "strategic bush" outside its arts centre to hide the vulva on a sculpture called Birth of Venus following a complaint.
Bribie Island's Birth of Venus sculpture hidden after complaint from resident
© Provided by Australian Broadcasting Corporation Workers move the controversial sculpture after a previous complaint. (Supplied: Moreton Bay Council) A Queensland council will replace a "strategic bush" outside its arts centre to hide the vagina on a sculpture called Birth of Venus following a complaint.
'You can't unsee it': Why this controversial female sculpture is being hidden by a "strategic bush"
Posted October 19, 2019 08:24:35 A Queensland council will replace a "strategic bush" outside its arts centre to hide the vagina on a sculpture called the Birth of Venus following a complaint.
Young veteran turns deadly diagnosis into charitable dreams
Rhys Greedy has turned adversity into opportunity on his journey from a young soldier suffering cancer into a trekking philanthropist. In 2009, the Caloundra local was on an extended Christmas break from his Townville battalion when he decided to investigate his chronic chest infection, wheezy cough and why he was losing weight so quickly. The diagnosis hit the 21-year-old like a tonne of bricks. "I had Hodgkin Lymphoma," he said.
the thong runner lives
Wayne Stowers is renowned on Sunshine Coast beaches for his unique way of exercising every day. His grey mane of hair is like a comet's tail. But if you blink you may miss him, dashing along the open beach on his daily run from Peregian to Sunshine Beach and back. Wayne runs at least 20kms a day, fast, but he doesn't fit the mold of a triathlete or marathon man. He does all his running in boardshorts... and thongs.
Ice use escalating on Sunshine Coast says campaign doctor
The doctor fronting the Federal Government's campaign combating the use of the drug ice says the number of patients being treated for ice-related incidents on the Sunshine Coast has skyrocketed in the past two years. Dr Stephen Priestley as seen in a National Ice Taskforce video. He hopes the taskforce uncovers why the drug is affecting regional areas more than other hard drugs have previously.
Tradies' health under the spotlight
Did you know one in five of all serious workplace injuries involves a tradie and every day 10 tradies are injured at work in Australia? Many of them are subject to chronic musculo-skeletal injuries but they think the best treatment is to ignore the pain. And, they are much more likely to indulge in risky behaviour involving alcohol than white collar workers. If you didn't know already, August is Tradies National Health Month.
Health department staff investigate private hospital
Staff of the Chief Health Officer are investigating the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital after a 730 Queensland story into the death of an elderly patient. MATT WORDSWORTH: For years the health system was a source of political strife for Queensland Labor now it's generating problems for the Newman Government.
Sleep paralysis: the demon of darkness
Health professionals are only beginning to understand how sleep disorders can affect your quality of life. Sleep deprivation has been linked to type 2 diabetes, depression, heart attack and stroke. One of the rarer sleeping disorders is sleep paralysis, where sufferers wake up without the ability to move. Kristy, who asked the ABC to only use her first name, says she suffers the condition. She wakes at night unable to move anything but her eyes.
Psychedelic drug expert wary of medicinal marijuana
"Let's not get confused that marijuana is medical; some of the constituents of the plant can be used medically. The THC is counterproductive - that's where the research shows is the psychological and neurological harm." So says Dr Allan Y Cohen, one of the world's most experienced drug abuse advisors on a visit to Queensland this week. His comments come as Prime Minister Tony Abbott is supporting the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Husband pleads for marijuana trial on Sunshine Coast
A Sunshine Coast man whose wife suffers Alzheimer's disease is pushing for a medical cannabis trial to be held in the region. Harold Hopper has been researching the illness and medicinal marijuana for the last six months and believes a trial will gain popular support. Earlier this month a national deal was struck to support a New South Wales-led clinical trial of medicinal cannabis for people with debilitating and terminal illnesses.
Medical community overlooking post-Polio symptoms, support group
A polio sufferers' group says too many medical professionals are unaware of the disease's latent effects impacting thousands of Australians. Polio Australia says new health problems for those who contracted the disease during the last century are known as the Late Effects of Polio or Post-Polio Syndrome. Spokesperson Kristy Rackham says although the last case of Polio was recorded in 1984, about 400,000 people now struggle with after effects.
Time out alternative to smacking children
Child psychologist Shona Innes has explained how to discipline children without smacking after the issue became a hot topic last week. The Royal Australian College of Physicians encouraged doctors to speak to parents about smacking at their annual meeting in Cairns last week. Ms Innes says a technique called time out is the most popular non-physical disciplining approach for children. "Time out is taking them away from anything that might be maintaining the behaviour," she said.
Beard lover compensates lack of growth by raising funds for cancer sufferers
Alicia Aberley would grow a beard if she could. But seeing her follicular efforts have failed so far she's decided to raise money through her love of beards instead. The beardless Alicia Aberley and the well-groomed members of Sunshine Coast band The Dawn Chorus. (Empire Art Photography:contributed) Ms Aberley is one of the few women who have signed up for Cancer Council Queensland's Beard150 campaign which aims to have 150 bearded men raise $1,000 each.
Losing comes second for tight group watching their weight
WOW, or Watching Our Weight, is a do-it-yourself support group for elderly people in Nambour who want to lose weight, but losing weight isn't their primary concern - it is a social event many of them will not miss, and for some, it is their only social event of the week. For sisters Jean Wright and Fay Madden WOW is the only social event of the week. "I love it," Jean said. "We're all so nice and supportive.
Sunshine Coast grumpy old bastards find fortnightly joy
Every second Monday a group of about 20 grumpy old bastards meets to solve the world's problems from the safety of the Coolum Hotel on the Sunshine Coast. Retirees John Benett and Clive Holden have started the Grumpy Old Bastards group after they met and realised they shared similar traits - that they are grumpy and like to talk about it. But Mr Benett says he leaves 'Grumpy's' meetings happier than going in. "The irony of this is that you don't feel grumpy.
Hiccups: Harmless mystery for many, serious symptom for a few
Hiccups are harmless for the vast majority of people but they can be a sign of further problems if you are already unwell, a medical expert has told ABC Sunshine Coast. "Hiccups can be a red flag for people who are unwell and in hospital," University of Queensland's Dr Jennifer Schafer said. "It could be a range of things - the person with the longest recorded [episode of hiccups] in history actually had a teeny tiny stroke in his brain," she added.
Ebola struck Sierra Leone still suffering says Sunshine Coast surgeon
Sunshine Coast surgeon Dr Bernard Tamba-Lebbie has returned from Sierra Leone calling for funds to better equip the country's surgeons battling the spread of ebola. He also says the trip was one of the scariest of his life. The death rate from Ebola in Sierra Leone may have slowed but its devastating impact is still being felt in the small west-African country. A total of 3,865 deaths have been recorded and over 14,000 people have been infected to date.
Cinematographer turned tattoo removalist zaps unwanted artworks
While there is a growing demand for tattoo removals - about one in four inked people regret their decision - the industry still remains unregulated. The Sunshine Coast's Clive Duncan is like many tattoo removalists who come from a non-medical background. He showed the ABC the basics of the trade and why he believes it's a job for anyone which he likens to "a bit like cooking; if you can read, you can cook." Mr Duncan applies paw paw ointment and a bandage to Hanna's foot.
Brain disease sufferers to benefit from world class Sunshine Coast facility
A new facility is set to provide world class treatment for two of the Sunshine Coast biggest killers - depression in young people and dementia in the elderly The Mind and Neuroscience Institute will become a leading hub for mental health research, teaching and clinical services in the next few years.
Chook lovers in a competitive flap at Gympie auction
Sebrights, frizzles, Wyandottes and Australorps - these fowl breeds went to auction in the Gympie region this week. Buyers from Brisbane, Mundubberra, Murgon, Kingaroy and Bundaberg converged on the country town for the third Annual Purebred Poultry Auction to buy hundreds of quirkily-named chicken breeds. Secretary of Gympie Poultry Club Odette Hargreaves says the auction is the perfect opportunity for vendors to sell purebred animals and for locals to purchase good quality fowl.
Reptiles, rats and snakes help biologists track Sunshine Coast's natural secrets
Dodging snake bites, bat scratches and rat wee is all in a day's work for biologists Kieran Aland and Alina Zwar. They set traps by night and capture native animals by morning to record the diversity of fauna living in natural reserves on the Sunshine Coast. This native bush rat lives on a 100 hectare plot below Mount Ninderri with a range of reptiles, mammals and introduced species. The rat has a very distinctive and strong odour - like urine and sweat.
Humpback whale's growing brood: 12 calves in 20 years just the start for Nala
How many times can a female humpback whale give birth? If Nala the whale's brood is anything to go by, 12 calves in 20 years is only a start, according to researchers in Hervey Bay. The Oceania Project's Dr Wally Franklin said Nala was "an incredibly prolific breeding female" who had been observed in the area with a calf a dozen times since 1996. "On average mature whales can have a calf every two years," he said.
Bundaberg paraplegic bobsleigh champ buzzing after first run on famed Canadian course
Australian paraplegic bobsleigh champion Mark Urquhart laughed when asked if he had mastered the famous Calgary Olympic Park bobsleigh track on his first run this week. "Just like Cool Runnings," he said, referring to the film of the same name, where a group of Jamaican track and field athletes qualifies for the Winter Olympics in the sport of bobsleigh. "It's very surreal, being the first paraplegic from Australia to do it," he said. "[The run is] 1500 metres in a minute ...
Bundaberg council aims to inspire region by lowering carbon footprint, investing in clean energy
Bundaberg Regional Council is aiming to be a role model for local residents and businesses by reducing its carbon footprint. Economic development officer Andrew Beckenhauer said council had saved about $1.2 million by changing electricity providers, and was planning to put a portion of the savings towards lowering its carbon footprint. "We're also considering an energy efficiency fund where a portion of our savings is then allocated to future energy efficiency products," he said.
Next generation embraces travelling show school's new lease on life
The National School for Travelling Show Children (NSTSC) is a unique facility for what could be Australia's most transient children. Its students attend class only when one of the school's two truck trailer classrooms is in the same town as the show where their families are working. Many of the students are from third- or fourth-generation show families whose parents believe the school is the best chance for their kids to receive an adequate education.
Environmentalist pushes Sunshine Coast Council to protect Yandina wetlands
A local bird enthusiast says the Sunshine Coast Council is unlawfully ignoring a push to have 200 hectares of farm land near Yandina turned into a natural reserve. Former journalist and bird lover Greg Roberts made an application to council for the privately-owned land to be acquired and declared a flora and fauna reserve.
James Ashby joins Pauline Hanson's entourage, as her pilot
The man who accused the former federal speaker Peter Slipper of sexual harassment cannot reveal where he parks his wings, for fear of someone putting sugar in the fuel tank. Pauline Hanson has been ubiquitous of late, attending Reclaim Australia rallies and other political events around the country on a busy schedule, for which she has contracted the services of a pilot named James Ashby.
Flexible learning offers at-risk Noosa students an alternative
The Noosa Flexible Learning Centre is an alternative school for kids who do not fit into the mainstream system. Its new campus has been open for six months and is proving a hit with its students and for many of them, the facility in Sunshine Beach is more welcoming than their own home. Fifteen-year-old Chelsea jokes that there is a very good reason she studies at the Noosa Flexible Learning Centre rather than at a mainstream school.
Nambour Civic Centre patrons fear loss of jobs and performance space
Nambour Civic Centre patrons and volunteers are protesting a planned upgrade of the building to a five-cinema complex. Majestic Cinemas announced last month it would take over the long-term lease and spend $3 million over 18 months to renovate the centre. Civic Centre volunteer of 10 years, Kendall Snowden said the transformation plans had not been popular with everyone. She said Nambour would lose its ability to attract big-name acts when the performance hall capacity dropped to 250 seats.
Australia's youngest chocolatier gears up for Easter with rich treats
It takes a steady hand, a discerning pallet, and the ability to resist your best work to be a chocolatier. Sebastien Clerc has all of those skills and, at 19, he is Australia's youngest chocolatier. Sebastien started moulding and selling chocolate while still at school at the age of 16. He now runs his own shop in Flaxton on the Sunshine Coast and is gearing up for the demands of Easter. (ABC: Jon Coghill) Sebastien started moulding and selling chocolate while still at school at the age of 16.
Fresh milk exports to stop farmer decline
Exporting fresh milk to China could save south-east Queenland's dwindling dairy industry, the Queensland Dairy Farmers president says. Brian Tessmann has called for the Federal Government to negotiate freer trade with China and fund infrastructure that will take advantage of milk prices of up to $20 a litre in Asia.
Artist advocacy group in copyright stoush
A Sunshine Coast photographer is threatening court action against a local body that aims to promote and support artists in the region. Photographer Marc Austin-Zande says he will go to the Supreme Court if the Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance (SCCA) keeps refusing to pay for his photo they used in an advertisement without his permission. He says it is time someone took a stand on an issue that is affecting professional photographers more frequently.
Soccer juniors' bonjourno to world stage
A Sunshine Coast junior soccer team will take on 23 of the world's best junior teams in Italy this weekend. Some of the boys channel the gladiator spirit at the Collesseum in Rome (BWFC:contributed) Local champions Buderim Wanderers under-13 team is representing Australia at the Junior World Masters in Rome. Manager Jason New says while the team and its supporters may be nervous they have the potential to raise the championship trophy.
Frog fanatics needed to count croaks
A Sunshine Coast conservation group is calling for volunteers to help with its annual frog survey. Volunteers will be looking for green tree frogs like these along coastal zones. Maroochy Waterway's Cerran Fawns says they will probably find plenty of cane toads too. (ABC:Jon Coghill) Maroochy Waterwatch is planning to survey the coast's frog populations to gain a better understanding of where they are living and how different species are faring.
PNG triathlete chooses sweat, tears and safety on the Sunshine Coast
For Papuan New Guinean triathlete Rachel Sapery James, training at home can be a game of survival of the fittest. She needs security from attackers when jogging, and crocodiles and sharks can be far too numerous when swimming. Cycling on poor-quality roads is challenging as well. "In Port Moresby we navigate potholes and ditches," she said.
Outrigger championships pulls Pacific paddlers
Outriggering originated in the South Pacific to travel between distant islands. Its popularity is booming in Australia, especially with juniors. This weekend on the Sunshine Coast, you may see hundreds of kids from around the world - between the ages of 8 and 21 - armed with paddles and canoes. Kawana Lake is hosting the National Junior Outrigger Canoe Championships and the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama until Monday.
Back-to-school for Noosa High's new deputy
Noosa High's new deputy principal had no idea she would find her ideal job at the school she graduated from as a 17-year-old. Stacy Wilmore was filled with conflicting emotions when she entered her old school for the first time in 18 years in December. She graduated from Noosa District State High School in 1997 and this year became one of its three deputy principals.
Electronic unicyclists prove walking passe
A couple of New Zealand surfers made waves at the Noosa Festival of Surfing last week but it was not because of their ability in the water, it was because of their unique form of transport on land. Paul Culpan and Sasha Brownlie travel the world with their electronic unicycles which can be transported as hand luggage. Sasha says riding one is like gliding on air. "I feel like somebody out of the Jetsons," she said.
Rare creatures stranded by stormy seas
The Sunshine Coast played host to a handful of odd and rare animals after last weekend's deluge. Marine biologist Julian Pepperell was called on to investigate. Sunshine Coast locals have noticed a plethora of strange creatures washed up on beaches and lost from home. "It's 25cms long roughly. It's oval-shaped, frilly and it's got a peculiar pattern down its back. [It was] cold, squishy and had that really gluggy type feeling like a jellyfish. It had vibrant dark red around it in a frill," she said.
Top university award winner chooses pizza over books
Buderim's Kade Parascos is a wise 18-year-old in more ways than one. The University of Queensland Vice Chancellor's Scholarship recipient may be excited about receiving the prestigious award, but he is not jumping into study without getting some real life experience first. He has deferred for a year to save money for university by working two part-time jobs. "I'm working about 55 hours-a-week at Pizza Capers Maroochydore and a fruit shop," he said.
Happy moment turns leisurely walk into fishy nightmare
A Sunshine Coast woman is warning of the dangers of venomous fish after being hospitalised on the weekend. Marcus Beach resident Cecilia Maclean, 74, was returning a 15-centimetre happy moment fish to the water on Saturday when she felt a sharp pain on her index finger. "It was not my happy moment," Mrs Maclean said.
Meat allergy ticks abundant on Sunshine Coast says expert
A prominent immunologist says the Sunshine Coast is a hotspot for ticks that can cause people to become allergic to red meat. Dr Sheryl Van Nunen says someone bitten by the Australian paralysis tick can develop a dangerous condition called mammalian meat allergy (MMA). She says the tick's population is substantial around the Sunshine Coast but particularly in the Noosa region.
Lasertag champs blistered and drained after world title week
Running around shooting lasers may seem like child's play, but on the Sunshine Coast this week it's been taken very seriously by adults. Teams from across the globe zapped and buzzed during the World Laser Tag Championships. This is Kyle Nowak's or "ACE's" first world championships for the US Legends but he's played Redzone 2010 Solo Lord of the Rings. It's a first for Lance Snell "LoLance" from the Canberra Dragons as well.
Sunshine Coast biker drawn to teen Japanese subculture after mum's accident
When Jean-Luc Devere's elderly mum ran over his beloved motorbike, he thought it was time to reveal his love of the controversial Japanese subculture, Bosozoku. But he is reluctant to take it too seriously when he travels to Japan this year. Mr Devere believes he is the first Australian with a roadworthy Bosozoku motorcycle. (ABC: Jon Coghill) A Bosozoku bike starts life as an average commuter bike and is customised with high back seats, bright colours and stickers. "Chrome is almost a no, no.
Uni students win digital film first prize with weighty subject matter
Two Sunshine Coast University students have won first prize in a competition to use digital media for education with a quirky animated film that teaches primary school children how gravity works. Kyle and Alex the Astronaut, from the award-winning short film Gravity, have a simple and easy-to-follow explanation for mass, weight, gravity. and why things weigh less on the moon.
Gallipoli 2015: Raffle offers Vietnam veteran chance for redemption
Vietnam veteran Jim Murrell never thought he'd visit Gallipoli again. In 1971, after being severely injured in the Vietnam War, he had a near religious experience at Anzac Cove. But it left him with unfinished business and he has wanted to return ever since. Jim Murrell has been chosen out of thousands of ex-servicemen to attend the memorial service at Anzac Cove this year. It is the return visit he has wanted for many years so he could return something he took from the site 43 years ago.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jon
Contact Jon, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack