Bali bombing survivor to share how choosing gratitude can change your life at a special Buderim Foundation breakfast

Bali bombing survivor, Julian Burton, OAM, will be the special guest at a Buderim Foundation breakfast, where he will discuss how being grateful is a choice and the impact it can have on your life.

Just over 20 years ago, in 2002, Mr Burton experienced the unimaginable when he suffered life-threatening third-degree burns in the Bali bombings terrorist attack. Throughout his arduous rehabilitation, Julian was profoundly moved by the outpouring of support from his community. This experience ignited his passion for giving back, leading him to establish the Julian Burton Burns Trust in 2003.

Buderim Foundation Chair, Rod McKinnon, said the Foundation was thrilled to have Mr Burton come to present at the fundraising breakfast at Headland Golf Club on Wednesday, 10th April 2024.

“Julian’s story is one of resilience and optimism so we are thrilled to extend an invitation to the community to come and hear more about his extraordinary journey, where he will highlight the profound impact of gratitude, kindness, and purpose in overcoming life’s adversities,” Mr McKinnon said.

“Through unwavering commitment and dedication, while also rehabilitating from his injuries, Julian successfully raised over $20 million for crucial programs and projects across Australia, earning him accolades such as the Order of Australia Medal in 2008, and recognition as one of Australia’s top five Social Entrepreneurs in 2010.

Mr McKinnon said that following the success of the Burns Trust, 2018 saw Julian and his wife Kay transition their focus towards advancing other community organisations, and embark on a new philanthropic journey.

“The couple founded The Burton Foundation, committed to nurturing South Australian community initiatives. Alongside his philanthropic pursuits, Julian also assumes pivotal roles in two leading biotechnology firms, further exemplifying his steadfast dedication to driving positive change.

“So, bring your friends and family, or come meet new Foundation friends and join us for an enlightening discussion as Julian shares his invaluable wisdom on cultivating sustainability and steering transitions with grace, purpose and gratitude,” Mr McKinnon said.

Event Details:

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives in the Buderim area by harnessing the power of giving.

The Foundation works by carefully investing all donations and bequests which are never spent. The earnings from these investments are redistributed to the community via an annual grants program open to not-for-profit community organisations that provide a service and support to residents in the 4556 postcode area.

In addition, the Foundation manages the Thompson Charitable Fund which provides grants to organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness and financial distress on the whole Sunshine Coast.

Buderim Foundation provides another $43,500 in vital support to local families for school expenses

The Buderim Foundation is once again supporting local families with back-to-school expenses through the provision of $43,500 worth of vouchers, which have been distributed through schools and community organisations.

This year, the 570 vouchers have been distributed through Chancellor State College, Mountain Creek State School, Mountain Creek State High School and SunnyKids, as part of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Back to School Program.

Back to School grants presentation – Buderim Foundation’s David Wood (left) and Nico Hansen (right) present vouchers to Mountain Creek State High School Chaplain Stuart Cran

Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said the Buderim Foundation has been participating in the Back to School Program for the past 20 years.

Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund grant to provide vital food relief for Coast families through Christmas & beyond

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is pleased to announce a new $101,500 grant to Gateway Care to provide vital food vouchers for vulnerable people through the festive season and into 2024.

Bonnie Scorey, Rod McKinnon, Lani Refiti and Marg Welshe with cheque

Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said Gateway Care Limited is a not-for-profit organisation providing food, clothing and essential goods for Centrelink registered clients through their Food Distribution Centre at Caloundra.

“Cost-of-living and inflation are creating more challenges for everyone, and those most affected are the most vulnerable in our community so the Buderim Foundation is pleased to be able to work with organisations providing real relief for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness,” Rod McKinnon said.

Aus Living Support to assist 200 vulnerable Coast families thanks to $50,000 grant from the Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is pleased to announce a new $50,000 grant to Aus Living Support Ltd to assist vulnerable Sunshine Coast residents find more permanent housing.

David Wood, Ian and Leanne Harrison, Kent and Dessi Roberts, Rod McKinnon

Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said Aus Living Support Ltd is a Sunshine Coast charity supporting the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless by helping with rent relief.

“Housing affordability and the cost-of-living are issues affecting more and more people in our community and the Buderim Foundation is pleased to be able to work with organisations providing real relief for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness,” Rod McKinnon said.

Thousands turn out to celebrate Christmas as a community

Thousands turned out to celebrate Christmas as a community in Buderim.

This year’s event presented by the Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA), with the support of the Community Bank Buderim Bendigo Bank,  on Sunday, 10th December at the Buderim Village Park, Church Street, was the best yet.

BWMCA Carols organiser Andrew Butterworth said the event, in its 20th year, was always such a lovely start to the festive season.

“It is a real expression of what the Buderim community is all about.”

“This year’s entertainment wa once again directed by local entertainment professional Riley Cope, and we were delighted that 7News Sunshine Coast’s Rosanna Natoli joining us again as MC.

Riley Cope said this year’s program would feature performers from Buderim Youth Theatre, Elite Dance Institute, Cope Creative and Musical Theatre Holiday Intensive as long as plenty of community singalongs.

The event also helped to raise money for a range of community organisations through the sale of refreshments including a sausage sizzle from the Buderim Scout Group and hamburgers from the Buderim Rotary Club, hot dogs and nachos from the Leo Club from Chancellor Park State College as well as popcorn, fairy floss, lollies and drinks from the BWMCA and Buderim Foundation.  Carparking also raised money for Buderim Lions as well as Buderim Uniting Church and St Mary’s Catholic Church.

Community Bank Buderim Bendigo Bank branch manager Peter Macdonnell said the Carols was once again be a great way to welcome in the festive season and come together as a community.

“We are so fortunate to have such a talented line-up of performers, It was a very special event and one which the Bank again is very proud to support,” Mr Macdonnell said.

Buderim Community Carols to herald the beginning of the Christmas season

It’s only a few weeks until the Buderim Community Carols will once again herald the beginning of the Christmas session.

This year’s event presented by the Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA), with the support of the Community Bank Buderim Bendigo Bank, will be on Sunday, 10th December, from 5.30pm, at the Buderim Village Park, Church Street, Buderim and the BWMCA Carols Committee has been working for months, planning the event, which will be the best yet.

BWMCA Carols organiser Andrew Butterworth said last year’s event attracted at least 3,000 people, with families coming from across the Coast to celebrate together.

“This year’s entertainment is once again directed by local entertainment professional Riley Cope, and we are delighted that 7News Sunshine Coast’s Rosanna Natoli joining us again as MC.

Best of the best businesses celebrated at the 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Award Gala

Amaze World has been crowned 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards Business of the Year, also taking out the Experiences Large category for the second year in a row.

 

The Sunshine Coast tourism attraction headlines 38 winners in this year’s Awards, announced at the Sunshine Coast business community’s annual night of night, the Sunshine Coast Business Awards Gala.

Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine said the celebration this year was something special, with 900 members of the business community, including finalists and sponsors, gathering to celebrate another year, with comedian, actor and entertainer Shane Jacobson returning as emcee.

Thousands explore the best Buderim Gardens as part of annual Festival

Thousands turned out to see the best Buderim gardens, garden sculptures, plants and flowers will all be showcased at the anticipated annual Buderim Garden Festival this weekend.

The Festival, which ran from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th October, is the showcase event of the Buderim Garden Club, which has been a Buderim institution since 1946, and the Festival itself dates back to 1975.

Buderim Garden Club president John Lyon said this year’s festival was better than ever, with perfect weather for the busy three-day schedule including Open Gardens, the Garden Sculpture Exhibition, the Spring Flower Show and Photographic Display, the Church Floral Display, as well as the always popular plant markets.

“The Buderim community has always had an affinity with gardening, and the Festival has once again attracted visitors from around the state,” Mr Lyons said.

“The Open Gardens included six very different but all beautiful gardens that showcase the diversity in size and style of gardening in our area including Buderim Village Park as garden no 1.

“Visitors to Buderim Villiage Park also had the opportunity to see the completion of the Buderim Garden Club’s Arbour Project, which saw the organisation help fund the new arbour facing the children’s playground, including installing some great signage with information about Buderim’s horticultural history,” Mr Lyons said.

The Buderim Garden Festival program also included a Twilight Plant Market on the green outside Buderim War Memorial Hall, including a sausage sizzle and coffee & cakes available from the adjacent Craft Cottage; the Spring Flower Show and Photographic Display inside Buderim War Memorial Hall, exclusive access to six different but beautiful gardens across Buderim as part of the Open Garden Program across the weekend, a Plant Market, outside on the green at Buderim War Memorial Hall, the Garden Sculpture Exhibition, at Buderim Craft Cottage and Floral Display at St Marks Anglican Church.

The Festival was made possible with the support of its volunteer members and the following sponsors: Manawee Garden Centre, Buderim Bendigo Community Bank and TM Estate Agents.

2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards Finalists celebrate their success stories

The 137 successful 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalists came together with Awards sponsors at a special storytelling masterclass and cocktail party celebration at Noosa Springs yesterday.

Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine said the event was always a very special one, bringing together everyone to celebrate ahead of the Awards Gala in November, but it was extra special this year.

“This year, we wanted to evolve the Finalists Event, so the Awards committee looked at the event objectives, which is to celebrate the finalists and bring them all together along with our sponsors, as well as to help them make the most of their status as finalists, Mrs Swaine said.

“In the past, we have always had a media master class, but this year we focussed specifically on the importance of storytelling – for both the individuals involved and as a business. We also increased the engagement and networking opportunities between our finalists and our great supportive sponsors through some new networking activities.

Buderim honours former local VC recipient with special plaque

The Buderim War Memorial Community Association today unveiled a special plaque to honour former Sunshine Coast Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Daniel Keighran VC.

CPL Keighran VC was the special guest at the public Unveiling Ceremony on the western lawn at the Buderim War Memorial Hall.

BWMCA president Errol Richardson said CPL Keighran VC was born at Nambour Hospital and grew up at locations including Maleny and Forest Glen. Mr Richardson said the BWMCA has been working for some time to develop a plaque recognising Dan’s service and bravery.

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