Sunshine Coast Morning Briefing: Stadium Showdowns and Summer Flavours

The Mood: Settling into the Summer Rhythm

Good morning, Sunshine Coast. As we wake up on this final Friday of January 2026, the city is finding its steady summer rhythm. The first school week jitters are starting to fade after students returned to classrooms across the region earlier this Tuesday. With temperatures expected to reach a pleasant 29 degrees Celsius and the sea temperature sitting at a perfect 26 degrees, the mood is distinctly coastal—relaxed, yet buzzing with the energy of a community back in full swing. There is a palpable sense of pride in the air this week following the announcement of the 2026 Australia Day Honours, which highlighted the remarkable contributions of our own hinterland and coastal changemakers.

Key Talking Point: A Massive Weekend of Sport Begins

If you are heading towards Kawana today, expect some extra company. The Sunshine Coast Stadium is the place to be as the Queensland Oztag Junior State Cup officially kicks off this morning. This massive three-day event brings together the best young talent from across the state, with divisions ranging from Under-10s to Under-17s. It is not just about the competition; it is a significant boost for our local economy, with thousands of families visiting our cafes and hotels.

For the footy fans, the professional heat is also rising. The Brisbane Lions are on the Coast today for an open training session, giving locals a chance to see the stars in action as they prepare for the 2026 season. This follows a busy week for local authorities who have been focused on keeping our roads safe. Police have been vocal about 'Operation Coolsafe,' a high-visibility campaign that recently resulted in several charges for unsafe driving across the region. As the weekend visitors arrive, the community conversation remains focused on balancing our thriving event calendar with road safety and the ongoing major infrastructure works at the airport and on our rail lines.

Feel-Good Story: From Okinawa to Noosa with Love

Looking for something to brighten your weekend? We are highlighting the success of 'Tida,' a new Okinawan-inspired Japanese restaurant that has quickly become a community favourite since opening in Noosa Junction earlier this month. Owners Nobuyuki and Yuka Ito have created a space that celebrates the similarities between the Sunshine Coast and the subtropical islands of Okinawa. Named after the Okinawan word for 'sun,' the venue is all about warmth and longevity, serving fresh local seafood with traditional Japanese techniques.

Additionally, we continue to celebrate local legends David Gole and John Connolly. Mr. Gole, a Balmoral Ridge resident, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his decades of work in architecture and heritage conservation, while former Wallabies coach John Connolly received the same honour for his significant service to rugby and mentoring. Their recognition serves as a wonderful reminder of the talent and heart that resides right here in our backyard.

• Weather: Mostly sunny with a high of 29°C.
• Events: Oztag Junior State Cup starts at Sunshine Coast Stadium; Brisbane Lions open training.
• Dining: Visit Tida in Noosa for a taste of Okinawa.