Overview
John Flowers recounts his life on the northern Sunshine Coast after settling in Peregian Beach in 1975, following twelve years in the Navy. He and his wife moved to the area for family connections and the coastal lifestyle, raising their two children during a period when Peregian lacked basic services such as schools, transport, and even telephone lines. Early community life centred on parent run carpools, a small local pool, a sports oval built by T.M. Burke, the Bowls Club, and fledgling surf and tennis clubs.
Flowers describes his working life across several local businesses, beginning with “Doddys,” a pizza and coffee shop in Hastings Street, followed by the “Bamboo Hut” restaurant, and eventually a 30 year career running an auto parts store in Noosa Junction. He also recalls well known local identities, including “Hey Bill,” and the changing character of Hastings Street through redevelopment.
A significant part of Flowers’ contribution to the region was his extensive community volunteering. He helped establish the Coolum sporting precinct—now home to a pool, tennis courts, rugby and soccer fields, scouts and the RSL—and served in leadership roles across multiple clubs. His community work led to the honour of carrying the Olympic torch through Peregian in 2000.
Flowers reflects on dramatic growth and change in Peregian, the decline of wildlife such as kangaroos, and the value of protecting surrounding National Parks. He remains active in the Peregian Tennis Club and supportive of conservation efforts.
