Christa & Moo – a friendship that’s spanned 60 years

From a first meeting on Hayman Island in the 1960s to sharing coffee in the courtyard at Sunrise Beach Aged Care Home in 2025, Christa and Moo’s friendship has stood the test of time.

When Christa (19) from Noosa and Moo (24) from Sydney set off to work as waitresses at Hayman Island, their first meeting was anything but ordinary.

Christa was sitting barefoot on the rocks when Moo, from the beach, playfully called out “put your shoes on silly!”. That moment sparked a firm friendship that would last a lifetime.

Life on Hayman Island was full of fun and mischief. They often sneaked into the staff-only nightclub before midnight pretending to be guests. Christa was always running late after her shift, so Moo would help her finish up so they could make it in time.

There was even a brush with fame. Christa, carrying a tray of food, dropped it on the head of none other than Sir Edmund Hilary, the first man to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

“He was a good sport,’’ Christa recalled. “He even helped clean it up!”

After six months on the island their adventures continued – travelling to Mt Isa, Darwin and Sydney and London. Moo contracted typhoid in Cape Town and the two ended up in an isolation hospital upon arrival in the UK. Despite her illness, Moo was determined to stay.

Christa found work as an interpreter at the Dutch Embassy, while Moo worked for the Halifax Building Society in Kensington. During this time, they visited Ireland on a whim for the weekend and stayed a year!

Both women eventually met partners during their travels with Christa marrying and returning to Australia in 1974, and Moo followed in 1975. Over the years, they’ve always kept in touch.

“Although we’re not really sure how we managed it,” Moo laughs. “It wasn’t as easy as it is today, and neither of us are letter writers!”

Christa’s adventurous spirit didn’t stop with travel. In 1979, she and friend Gail Perry-Somers launched what would become the internationally renowned Eumundi Markets. What began with just three stalls and eight visitors has grown into a vibrant hub of over 250 stalls, attracting 1.2 million visitors annually.

Moo and Christa often joked about growing old together and in 2025, that dream became a reality.

With their health declining, both women were considering aged care. They had both lived in Noosa at different times and loved the area. Christa moved into Sunrise Beach Aged Care Home in May and quickly called Moo to tell her how wonderful it was.

Moo, living in Bargara and struggling with a shoulder injury, was convinced. A month later, she joined Christa at Sunrise.

“I felt like I just slotted in,” Moo said. “Christa was already here and could explain how everything works.”

Now, they enjoy coffee in the courtyard, visits from mutual friends, and outings like fish and chips bus trips. Moo loves walking outdoors, while Christa prefers to relax.

“We’re best friends,” Moo says. “Although we’re very different, we respect each other’s ways.”

To find out more about Sunrise Beach or schedule a tour call 1800 957 915 or visit Sunrise Beach.