100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Sky-high aspirations: air traffic controller aims to take over from long-running MP

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Annual NYE event navigates construction and road closures

The countdown to 2026 is officially on, and the Sunshine Coast is getting ready to farewell the year with fireworks, family-friendly celebrations and plenty More

With no campfire skills, Aussies playing with fire

Who doesn't enjoy a barbie or a get-together around the warmth of open flames, right? Yet with one in 10 bushfires caused by campfire negligence, More

Flood-affected groups bolstered by grants

A selection of not-for-profit groups impacted by wild weather on the greater Sunshine Coast have received state funding. The Nambour and Hinterland Australian Football Club, More

Photo of the day: farewell 2025

Photographer Maureen Brook took this photo of sand art at Coolum Beach, which is very fitting right now as we farewell 2025 and prepare More

Mum to pay off mortgage with festive lotto win

A Sunshine Coast woman is celebrating a miraculous festive season after winning almost $1 million. The Maroochydore mother won $936,000 in Saturday Gold Lotto draw More

Popular Thai eatery expands with second venue

A Thai restaurant that launched five years ago has expanded its footprint, opening a second venue at shopping and dining precinct. Known for its authentic More

An air traffic controller who volunteers for a food rescue charity has been endorsed as Labor’s candidate for Maroochydore ahead of the state election.

Twin Waters resident Naomi McQueen will vie for the seat held by the LNP’s Fiona Simpson for the past 32 years.

Ms McQueen, who has raised her family on the Sunshine Coast, said it was time for change.

“I’ve put my hand up to be Labor’s candidate because I want to be a strong advocate for Maroochydore,” she said.

“As our region grows, we need a representative who will fight to make sure we have the infrastructure and services to support our community.

“I know that only a Miles Labor Government will deliver real cost-of-living relief like the $1000 energy rebate, which is only possible because we have made the big multinational mining companies pay their fair share.

“Congestion is also a major issue for the Coast and our Labor government’s trial of 50-cent fares will encourage more people to make the switch to public transport.”

Ms McQueen said she wanted to be a part of a government that delivers congestion-busting projects like direct rail and upgrades to the Bruce Highway.

“I’m ready to be part of a team that’s doing what matters for Sunshine Coast families,” she said.

While juggling work as an air traffic controller at Sunshine Coast Airport, study and raising a family, Ms McQueen is a volunteer for parkrun and food rescue charity OzHarvest.

“I love being a part of this community and regularly volunteer at Mudjimba parkrun and OzHarvest,” she said.

Subscribe to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share