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Buderim Private Hospital Celebrates Inclusive Employment Success Through Project SEARCH Program

Buderim Private Hospital is demonstrating the tangible benefits of inclusive employment practices through the success of Nathan, a local participant in the Project SEARCH program who is currently completing his second internship rotation in the hospital’s Supply Department.

The 12-month immersive work-based internship program, designed specifically for young people with disabilities, has proven transformative for Nathan, who previously completed his first rotation in the hospital’s Central Sterilisation Department. His journey exemplifies how structured workplace programs can create meaningful pathways to independence for individuals with disabilities.

Nathan’s integration into the hospital’s operations has been marked by his positive attitude and eagerness to learn, qualities that have resonated strongly with supervisors and colleagues throughout his rotations. His presence has not only contributed to departmental operations but has also reinforced the hospital’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace environment.

“Having Nathan as part of our team not only benefits our department but also reflects our core values of support and inclusion,” said Buderim Private Hospital’s Supply Coordinator. “We’re proud to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

The Project SEARCH program operates on a comprehensive model where participants complete three 11-week internships over 12 months, attending the workplace five days a week for six hours daily. This immersive approach allows interns to gain diverse, marketable job skills while receiving ongoing coaching, feedback, and support at every stage of their development.

Nathan’s success story arrives as Project SEARCH opens enrolments for its next cohort, seeking young adults aged 17–28 years with NDIS funding. The program currently operates across multiple healthcare facilities including The Wesley Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, UnitingCare Head Office, and Buderim Private Hospital.

For Buderim residents, Nathan’s achievement represents more than individual success – it reflects the community’s broader commitment to ensuring every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. His journey from Central Sterilisation to Supply Department demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in building both practical skills and workplace confidence.

The hospital’s embrace of the Project SEARCH program aligns with growing recognition across the healthcare sector of the value that diverse workforces bring to patient care and operational excellence. As healthcare facilities increasingly prioritise inclusive practices, programs like Project SEARCH provide a proven framework for creating opportunities that benefit both participants and employers.

Applications for the next Project SEARCH cohort are being accepted through the program’s website at myuniting.care/projectsearch, offering other young people with disabilities the chance to follow in Nathan’s footsteps toward greater independence and professional fulfilment.

Published 23-May-2025

Unitywater Community Grants Now Open to Buderim Groups

Community organisations in Buderim can now apply for Unitywater’s Healthy and Thriving Community Grants, supporting environmental and sustainability projects across the region.

Grant Round Now Open

Unitywater has launched the 2025–26 round of its Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program, offering between $2,000 and $20,000 to eligible organisations in Buderim and other parts of the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and Noosa regions. Applications opened on 21 May and will close on 20 June.

Program Background and Objectives

Since 2020, Unitywater has distributed over $150,000 to 29 projects that contribute to sustainability goals. The program supports projects that strengthen community connections and align with Unitywater’s strategic ambition to foster healthier, more sustainable communities.

Key Focus Areas

This year’s grants target three categories:

Natural environment and liveability: Projects aimed at protecting waterways, biodiversity, or encouraging community engagement with natural spaces.
First Nations peoples and connection to Country: Initiatives promoting cultural heritage preservation and sustainable economic outcomes.
Innovation and the future of water: Programs that explore climate solutions, science, or technology related to water sustainability.

Eligibility Criteria and Conditions

Eligible applicants must be community, educational, or First Nations-owned organisations operating in the specified regions. Proposals must fall within one or more of the identified categories. All applicants are required to meet relevant insurance and compliance standards, and successful recipients must acknowledge Unitywater’s support publicly.

The funding process is competitive, with Unitywater reserving the right to award full or partial grants at its discretion. Initiatives already fully funded by other parties are ineligible, although co-funded projects are considered with evidence of financial backing.

Application Process and Support

Submissions are managed through a new online grants hub, allowing organisations to register, apply, and track progress. Applicants must provide a detailed budget and agree to complete their projects within 12 months of receiving funding, with final reports due one year from the agreement date.

Next Steps and Timeline

Successful applicants will be notified by 23 July, with agreements to be finalised by 8 August. Funding will be released upon signing. Unitywater has confirmed only one grant round will be held in the 2025–26 financial year.

Published 23-May-2025

Million-Dollar Prize Winner in Buderim Area Still Unknown After Almost a Month

Photo Credit: The Lott

A $1.6 million windfall remains unclaimed, with the winning ticket bought at Nextra Gympie. This prompts a community-wide call for Buderim and Sunshine Coast residents to check their Saturday Gold entries urgently.

The division one winning entry was from draw number 4563, which took place on 12 April. Three division one winners across the country were in this draw, each taking home $1,607,641.94.

Plea to Check Tickets

A spokesperson for The Lott, Anna Hobdell, stated that it was surprising that a winner in the Sunshine Coast region had yet to come forward to claim such a significant amount of money. She suggested the winner might not even realise they are a millionaire.

Ms Hobdell urged anyone who purchased a ticket from Nextra Gympie to carefully review their entries, as they could be the missing winner. She also highlighted the benefits of registering tickets with The Lott Members Club, allowing them to contact winners directly with the good news.

Excitement in Gympie

Kelly Goatham, the owner of Nextra Gympie, expressed her excitement upon learning that their store had sold a division one-winning entry. She recounted her initial reaction, which she humorously described as causing her co-owner to think a snake was in the building due to her loud exclamation.

Ms Goatham mentioned that this was the first time she and her co-owner, Justene, had sold a division one winning entry since taking over the business. The store has been decorated to celebrate the win, and they have been sharing the news with their customers. Ms Goatham expressed her hope that the winner is a regular customer who might not have registered their ticket.

Winning Numbers

The winning numbers in Saturday’s Gold draw 4563 were 45, 3, 22, 17, 13, and 6. The supplementary numbers were 29 and 31. The Lott reports that there were 394 division one winners in the 2024-25 financial year.

Published Date 13-May-2025

Sunshine Coast Tragedy Highlights Hungry Jack’s Battery Toy Breach

Photo Credit: Hungry Jack's

The death of a Sunshine Coast child who ingested a button battery has resurfaced in national focus after Hungry Jack’s was penalised for breaching battery safety rules in its toy giveaways.

Child’s Death Prompts Renewed Safety Focus

The death of four-year-old Sunshine Coast child Summer Steer in 2013 from ingesting a lithium button battery remains a pivotal moment in shaping Australia’s consumer safety practices. Summer became the first Australian child known to die from ingesting a button battery, with her death following multiple medical visits in the hours before she collapsed.

She was taken to Noosa Hospital three times on the day of her death, after experiencing a nosebleed and vomiting blood. Despite initial assurances from doctors, she later suffered a cardiac arrest and died after being transferred to Brisbane. An inquest later confirmed the cause was internal injuries from a swallowed battery.

Hungry Jack’s Toy Recall and Penalty

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has penalised Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd $150,240 for supplying toys without required button battery warnings. The breach involved 27,850 Garfield toys distributed with children’s meals over a 10-day period in May 2024. While the toys complied with the mandatory button battery safety standard, the packaging failed to include the necessary hazard warnings or advice on what to do in case of ingestion, as required under the information standard.

The fast-food company was issued eight infringement notices and has since signed a court-enforceable undertaking admitting the toy likely failed to comply with information standards. The company also announced it would implement a compliance program to avoid future breaches.

Button Battery Risks and Regulation

Sunshine Coast button battery — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Button batteries are small and can become lodged in a child’s throat if swallowed, leading to fatal injuries in as little as two hours. In Australia, at least three children have died and more than one child each month is injured due to button battery incidents.

The mandatory button battery standards in Australia require not only physical safety measures like secure battery compartments but also clear labelling and consumer guidance. The ACCC has continued to take enforcement action against suppliers who fail to meet these obligations.

Consumer Advocates Raise Concern

Following the Hungry Jack’s incident, safety advocates have reiterated the danger these batteries pose. The ACCC stated that despite recent regulatory improvements, non-compliant products remain on the market, presenting ongoing risks to children. Organisations such as Kidsafe Queensland remain active in urging tighter compliance with safety regulations and clearer warning labels.

Andrea Shoesmith, mother of Summer Steer, remains critical of businesses that downplay the risks. She has long campaigned for stricter rules around button batteries and said that even when products technically meet construction standards, they can still pose serious harm if not correctly labelled.

Response and Ongoing Measures

The Garfield toys have since been withdrawn by Hungry Jack’s, with non-battery alternatives available for exchange at any of the chain’s outlets.

The ACCC has urged families to check their homes for button battery products and to report any safety concerns. It has also warned that companies must report any serious safety incidents involving their products within two days.

The commission said it would continue to monitor businesses for compliance and take enforcement action where necessary. The safety of consumer goods involving young children remains a core focus for the ACCC in the 2025–26 period.

Published 12-May-2025

Mum Speaks Out After Daughter Killed In Bruce Highway Mayhem

Photo Credit: Social Mum Tales/Facebook

A mother’s heartbreak over losing her daughter in the Bruce Highway crash has deepened as she watches the tragedy become a viral moment, fearing 22-year-old Jocelyn Mollee will be remembered for the mayhem and not the life she lived.

A Young Life Lost in a Moment

The Easter Monday crash turned deadly when a red Porsche Macan lost control on the Bruce Highway, triggering a multi-vehicle pile-up. Jocelyn Mollee, a 22-year-old University of Queensland engineering student, died at the scene.

*Photo Credit: Gen Edwin Kiprotich/Facebook*

The driver, 41-year-old Bradley Donald Towle, allegedly fled, shot a 62-year-old man who stopped to help, stole his car, and later committed a second carjacking before being arrested nearby. Towle faces multiple charges, including dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and armed robbery, and is due in court on 30 June.

‘Her Heart Was So Big’: Family Speaks Out

Jocelyn’s mother, Amanda Chippendale, said her daughter loved nature and cared deeply about water conservation. The 22-year-old was in her final year of a chemical engineering degree and had spent Easter camping with her boyfriend.

*Photo Credit: World News Updates/Youtube*

They were driving back to Brisbane when their car was caught in the crash. Amanda later spoke of her frustration that Jocelyn’s death was being overshadowed by a viral video of two witnesses, saying her daughter’s life and potential deserved more attention.

University and Community in Mourning

The University of Queensland said it was deeply saddened by Jocelyn’s death and offered support to students who knew her. Her peers remembered her as intelligent, kind and quietly determined.

First responders also felt the emotional weight of the crash, with Jocelyn’s family acknowledging the lasting impact such trauma can have on those who arrive first.

Calls for Change Amid Grief

Jocelyn’s mother called for tougher penalties for adult offenders behind the wheel, saying no other family should have to suffer what hers is now facing. She believes stronger consequences could help prevent similar tragedies.

Police are still piecing together the events that began with the crash and quickly escalated. What remains clear is that a young life was lost on a highway used by thousands of Queenslanders every day.

Published 6-May-2025

Flaxton Woman Builds Australia’s First Approved Aircrete Dome Home By Hand

Photo Credit: Aircrete Dome Elysian Falls/Facebook

In the quiet hills of Flaxton, a sculptor has turned a personal dream into a one-of-a-kind reality, hand-building what’s believed to be the first council-approved aircrete dome home in Australia.

Building Dreams In The Hinterland

Cath Wild, an artist in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, built her 90-square-metre home in Flaxton using aircrete, a light, foamy mix of cement, water and soap. Over several years, she handcrafted 6,000 bricks on the rural block she shares with her partner.

*Photo Credit: Aircrete Dome Elysian Falls/Facebook*

What started as curiosity about sustainable building grew into a full project. Drawing on her sculpting background, Wild shaped curved domes instead of square rooms.

Overcoming Red Tape

Before building began, Wild faced her biggest hurdle, getting council approval. With aircrete unfamiliar to authorities, she was rejected by engineers multiple times before finally finding support on her twentieth try.

Wild spent about $26,000 on approvals, navigating rules not built for alternative homes. By documenting her work and testing aircrete’s strength, she met all safety standards.

From Art To Architecture

Calling the home her largest artwork, Wild used her sculptor’s eye to shape the domes into a liveable space with two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, study and lounge. Skylights and curved windows bring in soft natural light.

Though designed for personal use, Wild said her hope was to demonstrate what’s possible when art, design and environmental thinking come together. Her journey has since inspired others across the country to consider similar approaches. She has shared her plans and techniques with other builders and said several nearby projects have already received council approval.

A Growing Community Of Builders

What started as a solo project in a quiet Flaxton clearing is now influencing a wider movement. Wild continues to support others who are experimenting with aircrete, helping to build a network of DIY builders interested in low-impact, cost-effective housing.

Although she didn’t set out to make history, Wild’s project has gained attention for what it represents: a shift toward creative, community-driven approaches to living. Her house may be the first of its kind, but she says it won’t be the last.

Published 6-May-2025

Viral Bruce Highway Twins Draw Laughs and Love from Around the World

Photo Credit: Jimmy Kimmel Live/Youtube

Identical twin sisters from Queensland have found international fame after describing a dramatic moment on the Bruce Highway in perfect unison, leaving viewers and even American TV host Jimmy Kimmel in stitches.

A Moment of Danger

Bridgette and Paula Powers, known locally as “The Twinnies,” were involved in a tense situation when their mother was threatened by a carjacker on Steve Irwin Way, which connects to the Bruce Highway. The sisters witnessed the attempted theft and later described the event to 7News Queensland.

*Photo Credit: Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue/Facebook*

Their synchronised storytelling, delivered in matching outfits, quickly drew public attention. They described how their mother bravely confronted the armed man and helped alert police. The serious moment, retold in perfect unison, made the interview both surreal and compelling.

The Interview That Went Global

The 7News clip aired in early April and quickly spread online. Their synchronised speech and animated expressions were shared widely, with audiences praising the sisters’ unique communication style.

*Photo Credit: Jimmy Kimmel Live/Youtube*

Soon after, the pair were featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where the American host joked that he couldn’t stop laughing and asked if they were witches. He suggested they deserved their own show and invited them to visit the US.

Community Roots and Wildlife Mission

The Powers sisters live in Landsborough, not far from the Bruce Highway, where they’ve quietly run the Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue for more than 25 years. The sanctuary, which began as a family project, has since become a key part of wildlife care on the Sunshine Coast.

They rescue and rehabilitate seabirds, including pelicans that suffer from injuries caused by fishing gear or watercraft. The sisters noted the centre has struggled for funding in the past and hope their new visibility might bring more community support.

Public Reactions and Familiar Fame

While some viewers speculated the synchronised speech was rehearsed, both sisters said it’s simply how they’ve always talked. Bridgette explained they’ve tried speaking one at a time but find it too difficult.

*Photo Credit: Good Morning Britain/Facebook*

This wasn’t their first brush with fame. In 2016, they appeared on British breakfast television where their speaking style also made headlines. The former host said it was one of the most memorable interviews of his career.

Today, the sisters continue to balance global attention with their daily bird care duties, saying the support from the public has been uplifting but unexpected.

Published 25-April-2025

Buderim University Robots Herd Sheep in Outback Queensland

Photo Credit: St George State High School/ Facebook

Researchers from the Buderim-adjacent University of the Sunshine Coast recently travelled to outback Queensland. There, they used four-legged robots to herd sheep at a local high school, sparking discussion about technology’s role alongside traditional working dogs.

The demonstration took place last month, March 2025, at St George State High School, bringing advanced technology face-to-face with rural life.

Robot Dogs Demonstrated in St George

*Photo Credit:* *St George State High School/ Facebook*

The University of the Sunshine Coast team brought Unitree Go2 robots to the school’s agricultural plot as part of a youth summit activity. These four-legged machines, capable of walking, jumping, and shaking, were tested on the school’s livestock.

With a top speed of 18 kilometres per hour and a battery lasting around two hours, the robots successfully moved small groups of sheep within the yards. However, students and staff noted that the robots lacked the appealing appearance of their furry counterparts.

Working Dog Expert Questions Robot Role

While the technology impressed onlookers, experienced Dirranbandi grazier and top working dog trainer Tom Perkins expressed doubts about robots replacing kelpies soon. Mr Perkins found using robots for livestock interesting, noting that technology in other agricultural areas had advanced while the livestock side had lagged. However, he firmly believed robots could not replace working dogs entirely.

Mr Perkins pointed out that working dogs possess intelligence and can think for themselves, unlike robots which require constant remote control. He questioned how a robot would handle the demanding physical work and vast distances covered by dogs in paddocks, especially when moving sheep in yards. Further challenges, he suggested, include the high cost of robots compared to dogs (even good ones), their durability on rough terrain, and how they would fare if charged by annoyed cattle or sheep.

Another factor Mr Perkins highlighted was the companionship dogs provide, especially when working alone. He also observed a recent increase in the use and value of working dogs, partly due to difficulties finding farm staff. One person with good dogs can often do the work of several people. While acknowledging that robots might suit specific, smaller tasks, he maintained he would stick with his dogs for larger operations.

School Sees Educational Opportunity

The robot demonstration was a valuable educational tool for St George State High School. Caitlin Crowe, the school’s Head of the Department for Agriculture, Technology, and Arts, explained that the university visit aimed to show students the future possibilities in agriculture. She said the students were highly engaged and understood that agriculture involves diverse roles, including engineering and mechatronics (a field combining mechanics and electronics).

Ms Crowe stated that the school, recognised as an agricultural school of excellence, focuses on innovative pathways. Following the demonstration, the school now plans to purchase its robot dogs. These robots would be used in the agricultural program and the digital technologies curriculum, where students could learn to code them for voice commands and apply these skills practically on the school’s ag plot.

Published Date 24-April-2025

Buderim Mountain State School To Celebrate 150 Years Of Learning And Legacy

Photo Credit: bmsspandc/Instagram

Buderim Mountain State School, a heritage-listed cornerstone of Queensland’s education system, is preparing to celebrate 150 years of continuous operation with a day of reflection, reunions and community pride.

A Growing School With Deep Community Roots

Buderim Mountain State School, one of Queensland’s oldest and most cherished public schools, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a community-wide celebration honouring generations of students, staff and families who have shaped the school since it opened in 1875.

The milestone event, titled Back to Buderim Mountain State School, will take place on Saturday, 21 June 2025, drawing past and present students, teachers, and local residents for a full day of festivities at the school’s Main Street campus.

Celebration Day To Reconnect Generations

Now with over 1,100 students and a new $10 million hall, Buderim Mountain State School has grown from a small provisional school into a hub of education and community pride. It’s heritage-listed and forms part of the Buderim War Memorial Community Centre — a “living memorial” that includes the school’s arboretum, sports fields and memorial gates from 1945.

*Photo Credit: 4556 Chamber of Commerce/Facebook*

The celebration program includes an official ceremony, school tours, historical exhibitions, a commemorative sculpture unveiling, and the long-awaited opening of a time capsule buried during the school’s 125th anniversary in 2000.

A Documentary To Capture 150 Years Of School Life

The day will feature a roll call of former students by decade, followed by performances from the choir, rock band and dance troupe. A documentary by Reflected Image Productions, backed by the Buderim Foundation, will also premiere, sharing school life across generations through student memories.

To mark the occasion, the school has released a limited-edition BMSS 150th umbrella. The 120cm golf-style design comes with a sleeve, costs $36, and is available from the Uniform Shop or via Flexischools for classroom delivery.

Open Invitation To The Wider Community

Community members are encouraged to register online to take part in the day. Memorabilia and student-designed artwork will be available for purchase, and refreshments will be served throughout the grounds.

After 150 years of continuous operation, Buderim Mountain State School remains not just an institution of learning, but a place where stories, friendships, and history are shared and celebrated by the Buderim community.

Published 21-April-2025

Buderim Resident Buys Extra Fridge to Fight Backyard Cane Toads Invasion

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

A Buderim woman concerned about invasive cane toads has bought a second-hand fridge to humanely euthanise the hundreds of pests she actively removes from her property.

Community Effort Targets Pests

Cassie Fenton, 29, decided to take action shortly after moving to the Sunshine Coast and discovering many cane toads in her yard. Realising the animals were notorious invasive species, she began catching them herself.

Ms Fenton stated she uses dedicated tongs for handling the toads, as their skin secretions are poisonous, preventing them from being used for food. Equipped with the tongs, a container, and a head torch for navigating in the dark, she captures the nocturnal animals. She reported catching 214 cane toads in her backyard over just 12 nights.

Approved Humane Practices Followed

Ms Fenton explained that she uses methods recommended by the RSPCA for humane euthanasia. One option she employs is a spray product called HopStop, which is available commercially and applied directly to the toad for a quick death. The other method is stepped hypothermia.

This involves placing the caught toads in a refrigerator set at four degrees Celsius for 12 hours to anaesthetise them, followed by transferring them to a freezer at minus 20 degrees Celsius for at least 24 hours to kill them painlessly. To manage this process without contaminating her household food storage, Ms Fenton mentioned purchasing a used fridge and freezer to deal with the toads.

Wider Cane Toad Problem in Australia

Cane toads are recognised as one of Australia’s most damaging invasive species. They were originally introduced to north Queensland from South America in 1935 in a failed attempt to control destructive beetles in sugar cane crops. Since then, their population has exploded. They have spread widely through Queensland, into the Northern Territory, northern New South Wales, and parts of Western Australia.

The National Museum of Australia estimates its range expands by 40 to 60 kilometres annually. Its toxic skin glands can kill native predators trying to eat it, competing with native amphibians for food and habitat. Authorities acknowledge that finding a large-scale control method is unlikely, making community actions and efforts to protect vulnerable native animals important.

Published Date 18-April-2025