Gallery: Sconetime serves up smiles at Sundale Palmwoods

Tracy and Lisa from Sundale serving up smiles and scones.

A warm November morning, a room full of scones and smiles and a panoramic view over the hinterland proved the perfect recipe for connection as Sundale teamed up with Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan for its first Sconetime at the Hilltop Events Centre in Palmwoods.

Residents from across Sundale’s communities joined volunteers, staff and management – even the gardeners downed tools for a well-earned break, their handiwork evident in the colourful grounds surrounding the venue.

Mr Duncan, a former chef and restaurateur turned champion of local flavours, said Sconetime began seven and a half years ago with a simple purpose. “For me Sconetime started as a way for seniors to connect with younger people,” he said. “But I have to say half the kids that come through have not had a scone before and that makes me sad,” he joked.

Since that first Cooroy gathering, Sconetime has grown into a much-loved Coast tradition. “I make about 400 scones for the bi monthly Cooroy Sconetime. We also do Sconetime at Buderim quarterly and other various Sconetimes around the Coast.”

He also gave a nod to the flowers on display from Sunray Nurseries at Coes Creek and, wearing his other hat, invited guests to the 2026 Garden Show, where he runs the Cook’s Garden Tent. “There’s probably going to be a scone around there somewhere too,” he laughed.

Sundale CEO Cameron Taylor said the event was a natural fit for the organisation’s community spirit. “For everyone who’s getting to know me, you know that I’m quite partial to a scone at 10am,” Mr Taylor said. “You do not get a body like this from lettuce.”

He praised the sense of togetherness the morning created. “Coming together today is just fantastic. There’s nothing better. And the fact that we can use Hilltop Events Centre to do it as well is just amazing,” he said.

Judging by the empty plates — and the smiles — Sconetime at Sundale is likely to become a regular fixture.

Community Christmas Carols 

• Sundale’s next major event is its much loved Community Christmas Carols returning Friday December 5, at 35 Doolan StreetNambour. Mr Taylor said it was important to book your ticket on https://SundaleCommunityChristmasCarols.eventbrite.com.au “so Santa doesn’t run out of gifts”. To wrap up a huge afternoon of fun and celebration, there will be a fireworks and laser show at 8pm. The event begins at 4pm and concludes at 8pm.