12:00a.m. 27th August 2008

| By Alan Lander

Caloundra icon Norma Fox has been honoured for her contribution to the community with a surprise presentation during Seniors Week. Photo: Warren Lynam/177907

It was Caloundra’s best-kept secret – until yesterday.

That is when Kings Church pastor Bob White invited Caloundra “icon” Norma Fox to the stage during a Seniors Week event at the church, to honour her contribution to the Sunshine Coast community.

Ms Fox, once a Caloundra City Council councillor, was one of the founders of the Caloundra Chorale.

And her name is synonymous with Coast theatre. She has directed countless plays and musicals, including the upcoming Shout.

Pastor White called her “a favourite daughter of the Coast”.

“She is an icon of her generation, an amazing role model,” he said.

“We hatched the plan a couple of months ago to honour her at the event. “She helped us with last year’s Seniors Week celebration, but her health was not up to it this year.”

Pastor White said a group of family and friends decided to prepare a special surprise honour for her this year. The whole family was in on it,” he said.

“We kept it secret until (yesterday).” The presentation included a plaque and floral tribute, presented with a video testimonial in front of an audience of 150.

Her sister Glenda Caplin talked of Ms Fox’s early involvement in Gilbert and Sullivan productions while Chorale assistant Rhonda Trotter described a “bright, intelligent woman” who was also a “great networker”.

Ms Fox was overwhelmed by the “ambush”.

“Everything I have done since being in Caloundra is because I just love people,” she said. “I am blessed with wonderful people to work with.”