WALK Pomona set to be launched at Heritage Showcase

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson is set to launch WALK Pomona, the first of a series of heritage walks, at the Sunshine Coast Heritage Showcase at 10.30am on Sunday 20 May 2012.

The Showcase family heritage event will be held at the Noosa Museum at Pomona and in the adjacent Cooroora Creek Park from 9am to 4pm.

Library and Gallery Manager Ross Duncan said WALK Sunshine Coast is a council initiative funded by the Cultural Heritage Levy.

"It is fitting that WALK Pomona will be launched at this weekend’s celebration of heritage event," he said.

"WALK Pomona is the first self-guided town walk to be launched in the series and rediscovers some of the historic sites in Pomona. On Sunday, Museum volunteers will be taking groups on the walk.

"Our goal is to encourage the community to explore the heritage of their town together by participating in the self-guided walks while learning about the history, events and characters who helped shape its growth.

"Originally developed as the Pomona Heritage Trail in 2004, the council revived the initiative with the help of Cooroora Historical Society, the Noosa Museum and the Pomona community.

"A series of plaques mark the route through Pomona unfolding stories enhanced by historical photographs, offering a fresh and unusual walking experience."

Mr Duncan said when locals and visitors experience WALK Pomona they can discover the treasures held at the Noosa Museum and visit the Majestic Theatre, the oldest continuously operating silent movie theatre in the world.

"They can also enjoy a cold drink along the way at the elegant Pomona Hotel and browse the distinctive Art Deco style shops in Memorial Avenue.

"WALK Pomona visits a total of 24 sites and takes one to two hours to complete, depending on the time spent at each location.

"Work is also well underway for other heritage walks at Cooroy, Tewantin and Buderim.

"The WALK Pomona brochure, which includes a map and list of the historic sites, is available at the Noosa Museum or can be downloaded from the council’s website."