Buderim Archives - Buderim Today

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

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

Self-Serve Chip Bar Sells Out on Opening Weekend in Noosa

Photo Credit: Chip ‘n’ Mix/TikTok

A self-serve chip shop called Chip ‘n’ Mix has drawn large crowds to Hastings Street in Noosa, with demand so high the venue temporarily closed to restock.

Viral Launch on Hastings Street

Chip ‘n’ Mix opened on Hastings Street. It drew hundreds of people during its opening weekend. The concept, described by its founders as a world-first, allows customers to create custom chip bowls by selecting from three styles of chips and more than 40 toppings. Pricing is weight-based, set at $8 for 150 grams.

The business gained immediate traction on social media, with videos shared on Instagram and TikTok generating millions of views. One post alone reportedly reached four million views.

@chipnmixit Worlds first coming right here to Hastings street- are you ready Noosaaaaa? 🤍 💛 💚 🖤 #fyp #foodie #loadedfries #noosa #newbusiness #foodconcept ♬ Dance Now – Girl and Girl

Business Model and Setup

The founders—Rhi Pearce, Isabella Buckley-Tyree, Josh Leach, and Lisa Tyree—said the idea was based on a desire to create a chef-prepared, self-serve savoury food bar. The setup features hot and cold topping stations maintained by ceramic plates capable of regulating temperature from -80°C to 250°C.

The model mirrors the weight-based service used by nearby frozen yoghurt brand Yo-Chi, which operates just 200 metres away. Despite the similarities, the Chip ‘n’ Mix team emphasised key differences, including its focus on hot savoury meals.

Overwhelming Demand

The opening weekend exceeded expectations. Staff reported the shop ran out of stock multiple times and had to close temporarily to restock. The store remained clean and orderly despite the high foot traffic, with staff quickly refilling toppings and managing queues.

Free meals for the first 100 customers attracted further attention, while children, families, and teens made up the bulk of the customer base.

*Photo Credit: Drew Ebbstein/Google Maps*

Future Expansion Plans

The team behind Chip ‘n’ Mix confirmed they plan to open two more locations in the next 12 months, with potential expansion outside Queensland. Although they’ve received offers to franchise, the founders intend to retain operational control of the business.

Published 15-Apr-2025

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

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

Sunshine Coast Case: One-Year-Old Child Poisoned by Mum

Photo Credit: QPS

In the Sunshine Coast, a one-year-old child was secretly poisoned by a woman known to her with unauthorised prescription medications over a span of two months. The ordeal was not only painful for the child but also exploited for personal gain, as the woman reportedly shared videos of the girl’s suffering online to solicit donations.

Child Poisoned and Exploited on Sunshine Coast

Instead of providing the utmost protection, a 34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman allegedly became the perpetrator of unimaginable cruelty to her own child.

Between 6 August and 15 October 2024, she administered unauthorised prescription medications to the one-year-old. These medications, which were reportedly outdated and intended for others, caused the young girl significant harm.

The situation became even more disturbing with allegations that the woman filmed the child’s suffering, posting the videos online to attract followers and donations. Reports indicate that she raised an estimated $60,000 via a GoFundMe campaign.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Fortunately enough, the heinous crime was later uncovered after the one-year-old girl was admitted to a Brisbane hospital in the south. Since the child was already ill, a medical staff felt that something was amiss and reported it to the police for investigation.

Upon further examination, the tests came back positive for unauthorised substances from her system on 7 January. It was this vital intervention that led to the protection of the child, a swift action proved to be lifesaving.

Sunshine Coast Woman Charged

The Morningside Child Protection and Investigation Unit quickly launched an extensive digging, uncovering the full extent of the Sunshine Coast woman’s alleged crimes and how she has gone to conceal her actions.

One morning on 16 January, the detectives arrested the woman at a property in Underwood charging her with several serious offenses. She now faces five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material and fraud.

Dalton explained that they frequently encounter some of the most disturbing cases of child abuse working in the Child Protection and Investigation Unit. He emphasised their commitment to doing everything possible to protect vulnerable children and ensure that offenders are held accountable.

GoFundMe even refunded all the accumulated donations for the Sunshine Coast mum.

A Focus on Healing

As the legal proceedings continue, attention has shifted to the young victim’s recovery and well-being. While she is now in a safe and supportive environment, the long-term effects of the trauma she endured remain uncertain.

This case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and compassion in protecting children—the most vulnerable members of society.

Published 22-Jan-2025

E-Scooter Safety Raises Alarm in Buderim Ahead of Christmas

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Buderim parents are being urged to exercise caution this Christmas season as local authorities highlight growing concerns about e-scooter and e-bike safety in the community.

Sunshine Coast Police are partnering with local schools and transport authorities to educate residents about the potential risks associated with these popular mobility devices, particularly in the Buderim area where families are considering them as holiday gifts.

Local Impact and Statistics

According to local data, Sunshine Coast police have issued over 3,730 infringements for personal mobility device violations this year, with the majority of tickets issued for helmet non-compliance. The fine for not wearing a helmet stands at $161, reflecting the seriousness of safety regulations.

Dr. Andrew Dobbins King from Sunshine Coast Health Services revealed that their trauma unit sees approximately one e-scooter-related injury every three days, with most incidents involving teenagers aged 14 to 15. The injuries can be significant and life-changing, particularly when riders engage in risky behaviors like excessive speeding or riding without proper protective gear.

Community Concerns

Local parent groups in Buderim have expressed increasing worry about the potential dangers these devices pose to young riders. The recent tragic incidents across Queensland, including the death of a 12-year-old in Victoria and a teenage girl in Townsville, have heightened community awareness.

Joanna Robinson from the Department of Transport and Main Roads emphasized that e-scooters and e-bikes are not toys. She strongly advises parents to ensure devices are legal and that children understand and follow road rules.

Safety Recommendations

Key safety recommendations for Buderim residents include:

Always wear a properly fastened helmet
Follow speed limits (12km/h on shared paths, 25km/h on bicycle paths)
Avoid riding under the influence
Understand and adhere to local regulations

Research Insights

Professor Narelle Howarth from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland noted that riders of private e-scooters tend to be more experienced and use more protective gear compared to those using shared public e-scooters.

As the holiday season approaches, Buderim residents are encouraged to prioritize safety and have open discussions about responsible e-scooter and e-bike usage. The local community’s collaborative approach aims to prevent potential accidents and protect young riders.

The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.

Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 25-November-2024