Life Church Queensland Reports $9.9M Profit Amid Buderim Expansion

Photo Credit: Life Church Sunshine Coast

Life Church Queensland Ltd has reported a net surplus of $9.97 million for the 2024 financial year as it prepares to launch a new mega-sized worship venue near Buderim. The church, affiliated with the Australian Christian Churches, saw a sharp revenue increase, largely driven by its building fund, tithes, and donations.

The Sanctuary — *Photo Credit: Life Church Sunshine Coast/Instagram*

A History of Growth and Expansion

The church’s expansion plans date back to 2019 when Life Church purchased two adjoining properties along Tanawha Tourist Drive, near Buderim. The 3.23-hectare block at 75 Tanawha Tourist Drive was acquired for $2.03 million, while the 2.33-hectare site at 59 Tanawha Tourist Drive was purchased for $1.2 million.

The land, formerly the Forest Glen Deer Sanctuary, has been earmarked for “The Sanctuary,” a large worship centre that will accommodate nearly 800 people. The site will also feature nearly 300 car spaces, an administration wing, a children’s facility, a gym, and a parent’s room.

Life Church Buderim — *Photo Credit: Life Church Sunshine Coast/Instagram*

A Financial Boom for Life Church

According to financial records submitted to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), Life Church Queensland Ltd reported $11.7 million in total revenue for the 2024 financial year. The largest contributor was the church’s building fund, generating $10.1 million, while tithes and offerings accounted for approximately $1.05 million.

Despite listing $1.7 million in total expenses, the church recorded a substantial increase in profits compared to the $1.04 million surplus reported in the previous year.

Church director Rick Emmerson highlighted the rapid growth, stating that Life Church had outgrown its original Kawana campus, necessitating the expansion.

*Photo Credit: Life Church Sunshine Coast/Instagram*

Future Prospects

The new facility is expected to open in mid-2025, with Life Church announcing its progress via social media. The project has been largely funded through congregation donations, the valuation of its existing Kawana facility, and bank financing.

As the completion date nears, all eyes will be on The Sanctuary’s impact on Buderim and the wider Sunshine Coast region.

Published 4-Mar-2025

Sunshine Coast’s Top Chefs Unite for 2025 Asian Food Festival in Maleny

Photo Credit: The Curated Plate/Facebook

The 2025 Asian Food Festival is returning to the Sunshine Coast, bringing together top chefs from Spirit House, Rice Boi, and Spicers Tamarind for a weekend of Asian-inspired cuisine at Spicers Tamarind Retreat this August.

Maleny’s Asian Food Festival to Bring a Feast of Flavours to the Sunshine Coast

Maleny, a quiet hinterland town on the Sunshine Coast, will be turned into a vibrant melting pot of Asian-infused flavours when the 2025 Asian Food Festival makes its way back to Spicers Tamarind Retreat. Attending some of the region’s most renowned chefs, the two-day festival will provide a food experience that combines local ingredients with the exciting tastes of Asia.

A Weekend of Culinary Excellence

Set for August 2 and 3, the festival is a major highlight of The Curated Plate, a larger food and drink celebration known for showcasing the Sunshine Coast’s top culinary talent. This year’s food festival has welcomed some of the country’s top chefs from Spirit House Restaurant, Rice Boi, and Spicers Tamarind, led by Peter Kuruvita, an acclaimed name in Australian cuisine.

*Photo Credit:* Spicers Tamarind Retreat/Facebook

You can count on genuine blending of Asian flavours, with carefully selected dishes mirroring the region’s increasing focus on quality, locally produced ingredients. To top this off, there will be an Oyster Bar, a champagne bar, and handcrafted desserts from Maleny itself’s Maleny Food Co.

More Than Just a Food Festival

It’s not so much about the food itself—it’s a celebration of Sunshine Coast food culture with a community event. As well as the food stalls, guests will enjoy entertainment, live music, and the relaxed outdoor setting that makes the perfect environment for a weekend of excess at Spicers Tamarind Retreat.

As the festival draws more and more visitors each year, organisers are encouraging food lovers to book early when the first release is on sale in March. Those interested in staying up to date can sign up on the official website for alerts.

Bringing the Community Together

Maleny’s Asian Food Festival is not just a display of high-class chefs, it’s a testament to the love for good food and sharing the community has. In presenting the offerings of the local businesses and food professionals, the event reaffirms the area’s reputation as a food destination to visit.

For residents of Maleny, it’s an opportunity to share their locally grown food culture, while travelers from across Queensland can enjoy the reason why the Sunshine Coast is becoming renowned for its variety and innovative eating options.

Published 27-February-2025

Community Demands Lifeguard at Wurtulla Beach as Rescues Increase

Photo Credit: Edward Hardie/Facebook

Wurtulla Beach has become a hotspot for rescues, with at least four incidents in two months—yet it remains unpatrolled. Locals are calling for lifeguard services to return before tragedy strikes.

Residents Demand Lifeguard Reinstatement at Wurtulla Beach

Wurtulla Beach has seen numerous rescues in recent months, which has sent alarm bells ringing among residents who say that without a lifeguard, lives are being put in danger. The beach had its lifeguard service withdrawn in May 2024, and there have been a minimum of four rescues performed by locals or wandering lifeguards since then.

With treacherous rip tides and no patrol in place, community members are wondering how many more near-misses it will take before authorities step in. The Sunshine Coast Council, in collaboration with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), redirected Wurtulla’s lifeguard services to nearby Bokarina Beach in September last year, citing higher attendance numbers at the latter.

Officials say safety measures, including a surveillance camera and emergency call button, have been introduced at Wurtulla, but locals believe they are no substitute for a trained professional on-site.

A Growing Safety Concern

Local resident Adam Ellis, also a retired surf lifesaver, recently saved a man trapped in a rip at Wurtulla Beach. He explained that he noticed the swimmer fighting the current and knew straight away that it was a risk. After successfully bringing the man to shore, Ellis reflected on the growing number of incidents and questioned how long it would take for authorities to reinstate lifeguard patrols.

At least three other rescues have been reported at Wurtulla since December, including one involving a lifeguard on a roving patrol who saved a man and a young boy. While no fatalities have occurred so far, community members fear it is only a matter of time before a tragedy strikes.

“There have been four rescues in just two months where the public or a passing individual had to step in. Do we really need to wait for someone to drown before action is taken?” Ellis said.

Council Defends Decision

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the move to relocate lifeguards to Bokarina Beach was due to changing attendance trends and coastal risk assessments. More people have been visiting Bokarina Beach in recent years, with council figures indicating a decline in visitors to Wurtulla, the spokesperson said.

*Photo Credit: Emelie Karlsson/Facebook*

Bokarina Beach is now patrolled seven days a week from September to May and on weekends and public holidays during winter. Council representatives encourage swimmers to walk the extra 500 metres to Bokarina for safety.

“No matter how confident you are in the water, it’s always safer to swim in a patrolled area,” the spokesperson said.

Residents Push for Compromise

Many locals remain unconvinced that Wurtulla Beach is any safer without lifeguards. Resident Trevor Heard noted that despite council data, Wurtulla continues to attract visitors, especially with parking shortages at Bokarina making it a less convenient option for some beachgoers.

Heard and other residents propose a compromise, including reinstating lifeguards at Wurtulla on weekends over summer when beach usage is highest. They say while technology such as cameras and emergency call buttons are helpful, they cannot substitute for the instant response of an on-duty lifeguard.

Currently, Wurtulla Beach is not patrolled, so the community must use one another to feel safe. But with every new rescue, the calls for change grow louder.

Published 27-February-2025

Surf Lifesaving Pushes for Olympic Inclusion, Maroochydore Among Top Venue Choices

Surf lifesaving could soon make history as an Olympic sport at the Brisbane 2032 Games, and Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast is emerging as a prime location to host the event.

Read: Georgia Bartlett: The Sunshine Coast Star’s Fast-Track to the Brisbane Broncos

If successful, this would mark the first time the sport is included in the Olympics, further cementing Australia’s deep connection with surf lifesaving.

Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Australia/Facebook

John Baker, President of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), recently received a positive response to the bid, strengthening hopes for its inclusion. The push is being led by SLSA in partnership with the International Life Saving Federation (ILSF), working closely with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Alongside Maroochydore, other beaches such as Broadbeach and Coolangatta are also being considered to host the competition. However, Maroochydore’s strong surf lifesaving culture and well-established infrastructure make it a standout choice.

The Olympic Surf Lifesaving Format

The proposed competition format includes individual oceanman and oceanwoman events, as well as a mixed-gender ocean relay.

In the individual events, athletes will compete in a 1200-metre race that features four challenging segments: a swim leg, a board leg, a surf ski leg, and a beach sprint finish. To be eligible, all competitors must have fulfilled their duties as patrolling lifeguards or lifesavers at a national or international level.

The mixed-gender relay will consist of teams of four—two men and two women—each completing a swim, a board paddle, a surf ski paddle, and a run.

A Sport with Global Reach

Baker emphasised that surf lifesaving is an iconic part of Australian culture and an ideal addition to a home Olympics. He also pointed out that the sport is more globally competitive than many realise, with strong participation across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Read: Kids in Action 2025: Inspiring Young Australians to Walk Gently on Country

Although discussions on including surf lifesaving in Brisbane 2032 have been ongoing since at least 2023, the final decision on the bid is not expected until 2028. If approved, it will provide a unique opportunity to showcase the best of Australia’s lifesaving athletes to the world, with Maroochydore playing a central role in this historic moment.

Published 26-February-2025

Retinoblastoma Diagnosis Leads to Urgent Action for Sunshine Coast Family

Photo Credit: Kaydens Cancer Journey/GoFundMe

After a rare cancer diagnosis changed her four-year-old son’s life, a Sunshine Coast mum is calling for better eye tests for children.

A Heartbreaking Find

A Sunshine Coast family is staring into unimaginable adversity after a four-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive eye cancer. Caitlin Farrar took her son Kayden for medical attention soon after Christmas, when she realized something was out of the ordinary in his left eye. In a matter of days, the specialists confirmed the worst, declaring Kayden suffered from retinoblastoma, prompting him to have the left eye ripped out in emergency surgery.

The diagnosis came as a shock to the Farrar family, who had no previous warning of such a serious illness. Unlike in many instances where retinoblastoma is diagnosed through a white circle in photographs, Kayden’s tumour was concealed and could not be identified using this means. His family only observed subtle signs, which they initially attributed to a lazy eye.

A Long Road to Recovery

Kayden, who was to start school this year, now has a different path. He will receive six cycles of chemotherapy in the next five months to kill any remaining cancer cells. During this period, he will be admitted and discharged from the hospital and could require additional surgeries.

*Photo Credit: Kaydens Cancer Journey/GoFundMe*

Kayden’s enthusiasm for Spider-Man and his sunny disposition have endured despite the challenging journey that lies ahead. His family is committed to being with him every step of the way through his treatment.

Financial Struggle of the Family

Kayden’s treatment schedule has compelled his mother, Caitlin and her mother to take ample time off work. This has imposed a huge economic burden on the family, impacting their capacity to fund daily expenses, bills, and groceries.

To take the weight off, the Farrar family has arranged a community fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place at the Beerwah Pub on March 30 and will include raffles and children’s activities. A family friend has also started a GoFundMe campaign to offer financial assistance during this trying time.

Raising Awareness for Retinoblastoma

Caitlin Farrar hopes to capitalize on her family’s experience to bring retinoblastoma and the value of early diagnosis to light. She thinks more thorough eye examinations for children could catch instances like Kayden’s earlier and perhaps avoid having to resort to radical procedures such as eye removal.

Though their priority is getting Kayden healthy again, the family hopes others will be prompted to take an active interest in their child’s eyes by reading their story.

Published 26-February-2025

Cost Pressures End RSPCA’s Iconic Million Paws Walk After 30 Years

Photo Credit: Ruth Ellison/Flickr

For 30 years, Australians and their dogs have walked side by side to support animal welfare. But in 2025, the RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk will take its one last lap, marking the end of a beloved tradition.

RSPCA’s Final Million Paws Walk to Mark the End of an Era for Animal Lovers

RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk has united Australians in a shared mission to fight animal cruelty for the last three decades. But in 2025, the event will take its final lap. Because of increasing expenses and changing fundraising issues, the RSPCA announced that this popular event will take place for the final time on Sunday, 25 May, at Noosa. The move brings to a close a long-standing tradition that has raised $17 million and watched over 750,000 people walk with their four-legged friends for a purpose that counts.

Why the Million Paws Walk Is Ending

The cost-of-living emergency and rising event costs have resulted in the RSPCA finding it challenging to continue the Million Paws Walk. Although the event has been a significant fundraiser, the organisation has determined to allocate its resources to directly support the growing number of animals in need. With more Australians struggling financially, giving patterns have altered, resulting in a change in the way charities such as the RSPCA function.

An RSPCA spokesperson said that although the event has been a mainstay of their fundraising campaigns, the focus must now be on ensuring every dollar raised goes straight into providing critical veterinary care, shelter, and welfare programs. By avoiding large-scale events, the organisation wants to concentrate on more sustainable and direct assistance programs for animals in Australia.

A Legacy of Community and Compassion

From the very start, the Million Paws Walk has been a movement, not just a fundraiser. Families, pet owners, and animal lovers have come year after year to walk their dogs, raise awareness, and help fund the RSPCA’s cause. More than 400,000 dogs—or 1.6 million paws—have walked alongside their owners to support animal welfare initiatives over the years.

The event has been key in funding shelter operations, medical care, and rehabilitation programs for rescued and abandoned animals. By bringing people together in a fun and interactive way, it has strengthened public awareness about animal cruelty and responsible pet ownership.

Final Event: One Last Lap in May

The final-ever Million Paws Walk will be held in different cities of Australia, and Noosa will host the final big walk. The RSPCA is inviting everyone to walk one final time and create a special sendoff to an event that has left an unshakable impact on Australian animal welfare movements.

The supporters can look forward to a happy and festive atmosphere, with special emphasis on the celebration of the event’s heritage. There are special “One Last Lap” merchandise that supports fans in being able to carry a bit of the Million Paws Walk legacy home.

Though this might be the last walk, the RSPCA encourages supporters to keep coming up with new ideas to assist animals in need. Donating, volunteering, or adopting from shelters are some ways to do so. The organization is dedicated to its cause, ensuring every animal gets the care and protection it needs.

How to Join the Final Walk

Those who are interested to join the final Million Paws Walk can register online at millionpawswalk.com.au. The activity is for all animal lovers, with or without a dog. Tickets are already available and pre-registration is suggested in order to save a place for this milestone event.

get tickets

The RSPCA would like to thank all past and current participants for their commitment over the years and invites everyone to put on their walking shoes one final time to mark three decades of compassion, community, and commitment to animal welfare.

Published 26-February-2025

Mount Beerwah Faces Potential Closure Over Cultural Concerns

Photo Credit: Bidgee/CC-BY-SA-3.0

Mount Beerwah, one of the most popular summits in the Glass House Mountains, is at the centre of a fierce debate over proposals to limit public access by replacing traditional climbs with a drone-based virtual experience.

Mount Beerwah Faces Potential Closure Amid Virtual Climb Proposals

Recent internal communications and community discussions have brought new focus to Mount Beerwah. Documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests reveal that Queensland National Parks officials had been considering a staged approach that might eventually restrict physical access to the summit. The plan would see traditional climbs replaced by a simulator experience using drone technology.

Proposed Changes and Government Response

A draft of the proposed detailed management plan for the project was initiated in July 2022. The proposed measures include the permanent closure of Mount Beerwah along with other nearby peaks, with seasonal closures and alternative virtual experiences in place of physical ascents. In response, Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell later stated that there are “categorically” no current plans to permanently close the mountain, clarifying that any discussions on this subject occurred under the previous Labor government.

Mount Beerwah Close Up Photo — *Photo Credit: Save Our Summits/Facebook*

Community Concerns and FOI Efforts

The group Save Our Summits has been adamantly against any move that might restrict access to Mount Beerwah. Locals have shared their stories and positive memories of their climbs, emphasizing the mountain’s cultural and recreational value. One participant praised the area’s unique animals and natural beauty while mentioning a memorable hike that took place six years earlier. The organization has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Queensland National Parks Service in response to these worries. They are demanding transparency on measures that would affect not only Mount Beerwah but also adjacent summits like Mount Tibrogargan.

A Community United

Local voices are coming together to preserve their right to climb and enjoy the natural environment of the Glass House Mountains. The community asserts that preserving these iconic summits is important to keep local customs alive for generations to come. The controversy brews as residents and climbers call for a fair solution that maintains cultural values without completely denying access to the public.

Published 26-February-2025

Sippy Downs Set to Benefit as Digital Games Hub Takes Shape

Photo Credit: University of the Sunshine Coast Online

The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) in Sippy Downs is positioned to become a focal point for Queensland’s growing digital games industry, following the announcement of a new government initiative targeting emerging developers.

The Crisafulli Government’s “Season of the Dev” program, running from March to May, will deliver workshops, networking events, and a three-day game jam aimed at addressing skilled worker shortages in the digital games sector.

Sippy Downs’ strategic position as the home of UniSC places it at the center of this development. The university already produces game development graduates through its relevant programs, creating a natural talent pipeline that could fuel industry growth in the area.

Dr. Colleen Stieler-Hunt, a game development lecturer at UniSC, highlighted the region’s advantages for the games industry, pointing to the “ultra-fast internet via the region’s submarine broadband cable and a pool of job-ready graduates at UniSC.”

The combination of technological infrastructure and educational resources in Sippy Downs creates what industry leaders see as an ideal environment for game development studios seeking both talent and lifestyle benefits.

The government-funded program specifically targets young adults early in their careers, with Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek emphasising that events will be “free and affordable, so no one misses out.”

For Sippy Downs residents and UniSC students, the initiative represents an opportunity to develop skills locally rather than relocating to traditional gaming industry centres, potentially strengthening the suburb’s economic prospects and cementing its reputation as an emerging technology hub.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney reinforced this potential, stating the program aims to “put the Sunshine Coast on the map as a new hub for games development,” with Sippy Downs’ educational facilities playing a crucial role in this transformation.

Published 20-February-2025

E-Scooter Ban Enforced at Nirimba State Primary School

Nirimba State Primary School has implemented an immediate ban on electric personal mobility devices following a near-miss incident where an underage student was almost hit by a car while riding an e-scooter without a helmet.

Photo Credit: Nirimba State Primary School

Principal Steven Moore announced the ban through a letter sent to parents on Monday, February 17, after noticing an increase in students using these devices since the start of the school year.

“From tomorrow, Tuesday, the 18th of February, all student personal mobility devices are banned from school grounds,” Moore stated in his letter. “The school will also not condone the inappropriate use of personable mobility devices by allowing these devices to be parked at school.”

The ban follows Queensland laws requiring riders to be at least 16 years old, or a minimum of 12 years with adult supervision. Moore cited a specific incident where a student under 12 years old was riding an e-scooter without a helmet and narrowly avoided being hit by a car. “If collision had occurred, the injures would have likely been substantial,” he wrote.

Under the new policy, students can park their devices at the Nirimba Sports Complex or another off-site location before walking onto school grounds. The principal also reminded parents to ensure their children wear helmets when riding any type of bike or scooter in the community.

While Moore declined interview requests regarding the decision, a Department of Education spokesman supported the move, stating that Nirimba State Primary School prioritises the safety of all students, staff, and community members.

The ban comes amid growing concerns about e-scooter safety in Queensland, where 290 crashes were recorded in 2024, with a significant number involving teenage riders.

Published 18-February-2025

Remembering Christopher Eccles: Nambour’s Bold and Colourful Artist

Photo Credit: GoFundme

Christopher Eccles wasn’t just an artist—he was a dreamer, and a man who saw the world in vibrant colours. Whether through his bold paintings, quirky sculptures, or sheer enthusiasm for life, he left an unforgettable mark on Nambour.

Now, his family and friends are learning to navigate a world without him.

A Life of Creativity and Connection

Christopher didn’t just create art—he lived it. He had an eye for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. His work reflected his unique way of seeing the world.

His wife, Pia, describes him as “very colourful and bold.”

A tattoo across his chest read “small man, big mouth,” which reflects him as a person, Pia shared. At just 5 foot and 4, “he was larger than life.”

Christopher had a particular passion for sustainability, which influenced his art in unexpected ways. He collected vintage boomboxes and tapes, transforming them into creative displays. He repurposed single-use plastics into imaginative sculptures—robots, ray guns, flowers, and more.

Tragic Fall and Unfinished Recovery of Christopher Eccles

Life took a devastating turn for Christopher in April last year. While painting on a ladder, it suddenly collapsed beneath him. The impact shattered one of his kneecaps and chipped a bone, forcing him into a wheelchair for six months.

His recovery was slow, and just days before his death, doctors told him it would be another six months before he could drive again.

Then, on 27 December, at just 48 years old, Christopher suffered a fatal heart attack. His family later learned he had an undiagnosed genetic heart condition—something they never saw coming.

A Family’s Unimaginable Loss

Christopher’s sudden passing shattered his family. His wife Pia and their children, Enny, 18, and Dennis, 19, are still trying to come to terms with life without him.

Pia admitted she will not get passed the fact he’s gone. “He was my best mate,”she said.

Their love story began in Richmond, Victoria, when Pia was just 20. In 2019, they moved to Nambour, instantly falling in love with its artistic and community-driven atmosphere.

“He loved Nambour so much,” Pia said.

Christopher Eccles: A Community Champion

Christopher was about bringing people together. He formed deep friendships within the local creative scene.

His commitment to art and community earned him a place in The Keeper Project. A Sunshine Coast Council initiative where artists serve as observers, collectors and storytellers within their communities.

Now, in a powerful tribute, Pia and their children will continue his involvement in the project, carrying forward his passion and vision.

A Legacy That Won’t Fade

Christopher Eccles was a visionary. He saw the world differently, found inspiration in the discarded, and created works that challenged, inspired, and connected people.

Though his absence is deeply felt, his legacy remains woven into the fabric of Nambour. His family, friends, and the community he cherished will continue to celebrate his life.

Published 13-Feb-2025