More than just washing your hands

Did you know that every month Sunshine Coast Council provides free food handler training to operators and staff of food businesses licensed by council?

Community Policy and Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said council wants to make understanding food standards a simple process for local businesses.

"These sessions provide a great opportunity to educate new business operators about food handling," Cr McKay said.

"The training is also ideal for existing business to refresh skills or train new staff.

"The training aims to ensure that residents will enjoy fresh, healthy, high quality prepared food and beverages."

Cr McKay said the free food handler sessions are held every month in various locations across the region including Tewantin, Nambour, Maroochydore, Kawana and Maleny.

"The training session run for approximately three hours and participants are issued with a certificate of attendance," she said.

"To register your interest for food handler training sessions in rural areas, please contact the Environmental Health Officer?via council's customer service centre.

"We will be happy to organise sessions for areas where enough interest is generated."

Please note that council is not a registered training organisation (RTO) and the course is not an accredited or approved course. Accredited courses are offered by local training providers – look under Training in the Yellow Pages or contact TAFE.

Bookings are essential. Attendees must hold a food licence issued by Sunshine Coast Council.

Upcoming events scheduled for March through May 2012 are below.

Food Handler Training Sessions – March to May 2012
Date	Time	Location	Bookings
Tue 6 Mar 12	9.30am - 12.30pm	Council – Tewantin Office<br>Council Chambers	(07) 5475 7272
Tue 20 Mar 12	9.30am - 12.30pm	Maroochy Multi Sports Complex<br>Fishermans Road, Maroochydore	(07) 5475 7272
Tue 17 Apr 12	5.30pm - 8.30pm	Lake Kawana Community Centre<br>Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina	(07) 5475 7272
Thu 26 Apr 12	9.30am - 12.30pm	Council offices<br>144 Currie Street, Nambour<br>Rooms 1 and 2	(07) 5475 7272
Thu 17 May 12	5.30pm - 8.30pm	Council – Tewantin Office<br>Council Chambers	(07) 5475 7272
Tue 22 May 12	5.30pm - 8.30pm	Maleny Library<br>5 Coral Street, Maleny	(07) 5475 7272
Tue 29 May 12	9.30am - 12.30pm	Maroochy Multi Sports Complex<br>Fishermans Road, Maroochydore	(07) 5475 7272

Refer to council's business events calendar for further session dates and times scheduled for 2012 and to make a booking.