Members of the Sunshine Coast Bushwalkers Inc. can now feel safe walking the vast bush lands and national parks of the Sunshine Coast, thanks to a grant from the Buderim Foundation.
Sunshine Coast Bushwalkers Inc. was one of six recipients to have received a 2010 grant from the Buderim Foundation, receiving $1500 for their Safety in Bushwalking project. The money enabled the group to purchase two McMurdo Fast Find Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), two first aid kits and a set of UHF two-way radios.
President of the Sunshine Coast Bushwalkers Inc, Malcolm Rodley said the club took the duty of care of their members very seriously and this equipment was much needed, particularly during their remote walks.
“The two-way radios are used to communicate within larger groups and to ensure every team member is accounted for,” Malcolm said.
“Our groups often walk in areas without mobile phone reception so the PLBs are definitely important to maintain the safety of every walker,” Malcolm said.
Personal Locator Beacons are an emergency device to be used if injury or accident was to occur in an area without mobile reception. Once activated, the PLB sends out a signal to a satellite, which then forwards the signal along with the PLBs GPS coordinates to Emergency Response Services. These coordinates are then used by either ground or air search parties to precisely locate the bushwalkers.
The Buderim Foundation aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for Buderim and its residents, past and future. Since starting its Grants Program in 2008, sixteen local organisations have received grants totaling more than $30,000. Those eligible include local non-profit organisations that are able to provide services to the Buderim community.
“The Sunshine Coast Bushwalkers have a strong connection with Buderim. We hold our monthly meetings at the Buderim Craft Cottage and more than a third of our members come from the Buderim area,” Malcolm said.
Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Paul Clark said as a not-for-profit public company, the foundation relied on the generous contributions of local businesses and citizens in order to continue providing grants to quality local community projects and groups.
Grant applications for 2011 open on 13 June and close on 29 July. Application forms and grant guidelines can be found on the Buderim Foundation website from the 6 June 2011.
For more information on the Buderim Foundation or the grants program, please visit, www.buderimfoundation.org.au.
