Eumundi Voice Magazine

Eumundi Voice

22 hours ago

The Covid pandemic greatly disrupted the global dance industry. Studios, theatres and performance venues were forced to close, productions were cancelled and international tours abandoned. The result was a devastating financial loss for dancers, teachers, choreographers, agents, costume makers, musicians and all those invested in some way.
Business Research Insights (2 March 2026) reported that global dance class enrolments dropped to unprecedented lows following Covid. However, a recent resurgence has occurred, particularly with young boys moving from traditional sports to dance.
Parents report wide-ranging benefits from dance participation. These include improved physical fitness, mental development, emotional wellbeing, discipline, focus, coordination, creativity and self-expression. Dance also encourages healthy habits, reduces screen time, improves behaviour and sociability, and boosts self-confidence and academic engagement. For many families these outcomes contribute to a happier and more balanced home life. For boys who struggle with friendships at school, dance provides the opportunity to interact with new friends and understand that together the team can make magic, earn applause and pride. To continue reading, please click here: issuu.com/eumundivoice/docs/eumundi_voice_issue_141/17 ... See MoreSee Less

Eumundi Voice

2 days ago

As Qld gears up for Small Business Month in May, Experience Eumundi is shining a spotlight on the Eumundi Markets, with new research reinforcing their reputation as one of the Sunshine Coast’s most influential business incubators.
Experience Eumundi General Manager Mark Cameron said the iconic markets have long played a vital role in helping entrepreneurs transform ideas into viable businesses.
“Every business starts somewhere, and for many people that first step is the toughest. The Eumundi Markets provide a real world testing ground where emerging businesses can refine their products, build confidence and connect directly with customers,” said Mark.
While best known as one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions, the markets also operate as a thriving commercial hub, supporting around 600 stallholders and offering a direct entry point into the visitor economy.
Independent research confirms the markets’ broader economic significance, highlighting their value to micro and small businesses through consistently high foot traffic, immediate customer feedback and opportunities to scale over time. The markets attract approximately 1.2M visitors annually, generate $54M in visitor expenditure and support more than 1,000 regional jobs.
Sunshine Coast-based Twelve and a Half Acres Gin is one example of a business that has grown from small beginnings into a recognised brand, with its Montville Dry Gin now served in the Qantas Brisbane Business Lounge. Founder Andrew Lancaster transitioned from a 35-year military career into building a distillery from the ground up on his hinterland property.
Andrew said the ability to engage directly with customers was critical in the early stages of growth. “You can spend years developing a product, but until you put it in front of people, you don’t really know how it will land,” said Andrew.
Mark said fostering small business remains central to the markets’ future. “Small businesses are the backbone of regional communities, and they need environments that allow them to try, learn and grow. The Eumundi Markets have been doing that for decades – and that role is only becoming more important.” ... See MoreSee Less