The Buderim Foundation is preparing to announce successful applicants of the 2011 Grants Program at their annual Good News Night on Friday, 16 September.

The annual event is an opportunity for everyone to join with the Foundation’s members, donors, directors, ambassadors and friends to share good news and to review the progress made throughout the year.

The Good News Night will be held at Buderim Memorial Hall at 5.00pm and is an ideal occasion for those not yet involved in the Foundation to learn more about the concept, the Foundation’s achievements over the past eight years since it was launched and about future plans to support the community.

Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Paul Clark said the grants program offered the opportunity for worthwhile community initiatives that benefit Buderim and its residents to receive funding.

“Every year as our grant total amount reaches record highs, more people become aware of the Foundation and our role within the community,” Paul said.

Last year the Foundation made available a record total of $17,500 for its grants program, just a small portion of the more than $100,000 that the Foundation is proud to have been able to distribute in the community.

Recipients of the 2010 grants were Fusion Community Care, 4 Paws Animal Rescue, Buderim Craft Cottage Assoc., Martins Creek Headwaters Action Group, Sunshine Coast Bushwalkers and Sunshine FM Radio Assoc. Inc.

“The Foundation started providing grants from 2008 and has since contributed to sixteen different local organisations,” Paul said.

The goal of the Buderim Foundation is to enrich and enhance the quality of life for Buderim and its residents, past and future. The Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organisation which aims to generate income from donations and bequests from community members and provide grants for community projects.

“As a not-for-profit public company, the foundation relies on the generous contributions of local businesses and residents in order to continue providing grants to quality local community projects and groups,” Paul said.

The grants are offered to not-for-profit organisations in the Buderim community, or not-for-profit Sunshine Coast community organisations that are able to provide services to the Buderim community.

For more information on the Buderim Foundation or the 2011 grants program, please visit, www.buderimfoundation.org.au.

With the business community still very cautious because of economic conditions both within Australia and internationally, getting the right support, particularly for start-up businesses, has never been more important.

Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast CEO Colin Graham said while interest rates had now been on hold for nine consecutive months, uncertainty resulting from natural disasters around the world and debt levels in the US and parts of Europe was reverberating around the world.

“Business in many sectors in Australia has been subdued with many entrepreneurs taking a cautious approach to commercialising new ideas, but with the right advice and support there can be some very good opportunities for them,” Mr Graham said.

“In fact, getting the kind of expertise and support an incubator like the Innovation Centre can provide can effectively flip the statistics on business success rates.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that of the new businesses registered during 2007-08, more than 28% did not survive past one year, while worldwide governments were recognising the importance of quality business incubators in improving long term success, jobs creation and economic development. In contrast, the Innovation Centre has achieved an 84% survival rate for all companies supported since its establishment in 2002.

“Entrepreneurs are often experts in their own field but starting a new business is not an easy task at any time, so it is vital that they get the right advice and support to boost their chances of success,” Mr Graham said.

In fact, a new report – The Importance of Startups in Job Creation and Job Destruction – by the Kauffman Foundation in the US offered further evidence of the importance of startup businesses to the economy.

The Kauffman Foundation has found that start-up companies generate an average of 3 million jobs in their first year, while older, established larger companies and corporations lose around 1 million jobs annually as a result of rationalisation and downsizing.

As a results of this and other factors, both the US and UK are heavily investing in supporting new business development with technology focused business incubation a key component. The UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, recently announced a funding commitment of over $300m to establish a network of 6 – 8 world leading technology and innovation centres.

Mr Graham said back in Australia, with many economic forecasters predicting that conditions would remain flat for the remainder of 2011 before a slow recovery in 2012, now was the perfect time to start taking ideas from the drawing board to the market.

“Companies who are geared up and ready for an upswing in the economy can do better than those who launch once the recovery is underway,” he said.

Mr Graham said while the Innovation Centre worked primarily with start-up businesses in ICT, clean technology, health technology and creative industries, the evidence from around the world that regardless of industry, best practice incubation support including mentoring and advice, access to a network of professionals including in the areas of finance, research and service providers as well as flexible office space helped minimise the risks faced by new businesses.

The Innovation Centre is a long-term member of the US based National Business Incubation Association. The NBIA estimates that there are about 7000 business incubators worldwide, servicing different industries and communities.

The NBIA estimates that in 2005 alone, North American incubators assisted more than 27,000 start-up companies that provided full-time employment for more than 100,000 workers and generated annual revenue of more than $17 billion. (Source: 2006 State of the Business Incubation Industry) Business incubators reduce the risk of small business failures. Historically, NBIA member incubators have reported that 87 percent of all firms that have graduated from their incubators are still in business. (Source: Business Incubation Works)

Mr Graham said since its establishment in 2002, the Innovation Centre had supported over 82 businesses, creating around 350 jobs and helping client companies raise over $23.8million.

“The centre is currently home to over 30 private companies in the ICT, clean technology, health technology and creative industries and offers world-class support that is making a real difference for business success.”

A week before fifty cyclists set off from Brisbane to Townsville on the annual 1600 km cancer fundraiser, the Smiling For Smiddy Challenge, a documentary about the cause is set to screen on Win Television.

The documentary – Smiling for Smiddy The Long Road – is set to air on WIN television throughout Queensland on Sunday 28 August at 2pm.

This inspiring film is narrated by Maria, the mother of Adam Smiddy, a young man who died of Melanoma Cancer in 2006 at the age of just 26 in who’s memory the ride and the charity was founded.

Through “The Long Road”, Maria tells not only of her own powerful story of losing her son but also the unforgettable legacy created by his friends to ensure Adam is never forgotten and that a cure is found for this insidious disease.

Smiling for Smiddy was created by Adam’s close friend and coach, Mark Smoothy, soon after Adam’s death when he took to his bicycle with two friends to undertake the first Smiddy ride raising $26,000.  Each year the number of riders and road crew has grown, along with the number of people donating to the charity and the money raised. Adam, a physiotherapist and triathlon coach at the University of Queensland was passionate about and would have loved the challenge created in his name. To date the charity has raised over 1.9 million dollars.

All the money raised from the challenges help fund ongoing world-class cancer research and health care through the Mater Foundation.

Documentary producer, Ryan Early, from Reflected Image PRoductions led a crew of four who followed the 5^th annual Smiling for Smiddy Challenge, a gruelling eight-day 1600km bicycle ride by 60 cyclists from Brisbane to Townsville in September.

“This is the second documentary we have made about this amazing group of people, but this year I wanted to capture the intensely personal journey that this challenge is for everyone involved,” Ryan said.

The Long Road also features a segment covering the annual Midi Smiddy ride, a bicycyle ride each June that covers 570 kilometres from Brisbane to Toowoomba, Warwick and back.

“I heard Maria speak on the Midi Smiddy and the room fell silent, so I knew that she was the perfect choice to help tell this story,” Ryan said.

The first documentary, Smiling for Smiddy: A Journey of Friends was created during the 2009 ride and won Best Documentary at the 2010 Queensland Multi Media Awards after airing on Win Television in December 2009 where it won the ratings for its timeslot.

“The documentaries are a vital device in raising awareness of the Smiddy cause. Following the airing of the documentary on WIN, a special directors cut was shown at special screenings along the Smiddy Challenge route helping significantly with the Smiling for Smiddy fundraising efforts, which now total over $1.9 million since the rides began in 2006,” Ryan said.

We called this years documentary the Long Road because the charity has achieved a lot in it’s time and also because of the strong bonds created between the riders and the volunteers in the many towns they ride through. The connection between all of these towns has been that many people in them have been affected by cancer.

So gear up for this year’s Smiling for Smiddy challenge by watching the documentary on Sunday 28 August at 2pm on Win.  Then support the riders as they once again hit the road:

• Day One – 3 September – 212km Brisbane – Blackbutt – Nanango
• Day Two – 4 September – 242km Nanango – Gayndah – Eidsvold
• Day Three – 5 September – 200km Eidsvold – Biloela
• Day Four – 6 September – 205km Biloela – Blackwater
• Day Five – 7 September – 181km Blackwater – Emerald – Clermont
• Day Six – 8 September – 175km Clermont – Belyando Crossing
• Day Seven – 9 September – 202km Belyando Crossing – Charters Towers
• Day Eight – 10 September – 179km Charters Towers – Townsville

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgvJ09dJOsc&sns=em[/youtube]

A University of the Sunshine Coast golf buggy will soon be powered by wind and sun thanks to a new joint initiative with Auzion Solar Power.

Auzion, a leading Queensland renewable energy company based at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Innovation Centre, have partnered with the University’s Faculty of Science, Health and Education in an exciting new project.

In the next couple of months, Auzion will be installing an off-grid solar panel system on the USC Engineering building to be used as a teaching resource for students. The solar power system will also help power the department’s golf buggy.

Auzion CEO, Mark Leckenby said Auzion had always maintained a strong link with the University as a way to show our commitment to education, sustainability and regional development.

“We have done research projects with the university in the past and are excited about this new project which will benefit future students and also present our team with a new and exciting challenge, as it will be Auzion’s first installation of a stand alone system not connected to the grid,” Mark said.

“As a gift to the project, we have facilitated the donation of four solar panels from Sanyo, rated in the top two most efficient panels in the world and Auzion will be donating a 1kW wind turbine to be installed on the University’s water tower,” Mark said.

“The wine turbine and solar panels will work together to charge batteries that will then be used to power the golf buggy,” Mark said.

The idea for the project came about when Mark toured the University’s new Engineering and Science Training Facility in July and was introduced to the facilities practical research and training capabilities.

“It was great to see such ‘cutting-edge’ and innovative work being performed at the University,” Mark said.

“The project will create new opportunities for future research and development at the new facility, giving USC students ‘an edge’ when entering the competitive work force,” Mark said.

USC’s Faculty of Science, Health and Education’s Technical Services manager Dr Denis Podger said it was exciting to be using a combination of wind and solar energy to charge the faculty’s golf buggy, as well as laptop computers used by Civil Engineering students.

“This will provide a very good resource for teaching students about renewable energy technology,” he said.

“It is very hands-on and the students can access every aspect of it, from data taking and battery maintenance, to understanding the difference in loads from different power sources and how these loads need to be balanced.”

The project will build on Auzion’s already valuable working partnership with the University and follows a number of successful projects together.

“We are really looking forward to test-driving the Sunshine Coast’s first golf kart to be powered by the sun and wind and to continue to work closely with the University of the Sunshine Coast,” Mark said.

For more information about Auzion and its energy solution products, visit www.auzion.com or call 1300 AUZION.

Celebrate spring at Corbould Park Racecourse on Sunday, 25 September at the Bloomhill Race Day.

The 9^th annual Race Day will be held at Corbould Park Racecourse in Caloundra and, as always, will be filled with fashion, fun, a full race schedule and lots of prizes.

Tickets are expected to sell out so be sure to buy yours now to be a part of this major fundraising event for Bloomhill Cancer Help.

The Bloomhill Race Day coordinator, Gail Lamb said tickets to the event have sold out every year and there are only a few opportunities left for business sponsorship.

“Being a business sponsor is a great way to support Bloomhill’s work in the community,” Gail said.

“We are so grateful for the incredible support and generosity we have received from our Race Day Sponsors. They have played a big part in making this day a success,” Gail said.

Tickets to the event start from $65 for entry to the Champagne Gardens and $90 per person or $900 per table in the Favourites Room.

In the Champagne Gardens, you will enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch as you enjoy the race day activities. From the Favourites Room, you will be treated with champagne on arrival, delicious luncheon and panoramic views of the racetrack.

“Bloomhill Race Day is a great excuse to catch up with friends while supporting this worthy cause,” Gail said.

“This event is always a fabulous day with lots of prizes, a chance to bid in the memorabilia auction and Fashions on the Field,” Gail said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a not for profit organisation and relies on donations and fundraising through events such as the Bloomhill Race Day. Continued support will ensure they can continue offering support to those affected by cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast region. Operated by a dedicated team of staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill provides a range of services and complimentary therapies, transport to appointments, massage and counselling.

If you would like to book tickets, donate auction or raffle items, or be a business sponsor for this worthy cause call Gail at the Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre on 5445 5794.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is calling for enthusiastic community members to join its Executive Committee for 2011-2012.

The AGM will be held on Tuesday, 30August at 6.30pm in rooms DG.47 and DG.48 at the University of the Sunshine Coast and will discuss upcoming events and elect the new committee. The AGM is open to all current committee members and anybody who wishes to join on the day; refreshments will be provided.

Nominations can be made at the meeting or beforehand. Online nomination forms are available in the AGM event listing at www.scliterary.org.

While some members of the committee will nominate again for their current positions, Vice President Andrew Thelander, Treasurer Graham Paterson and Secretary Andrea Storey are standing down due to work, family or travel commitments.

SCLA President Bryan Ward said the meeting will give community members the opportunity to get more involved in the association by joining the committee.

“The leadership committee plays an important role as they are responsible for organising all of the association’s events and activities,” Bryan said.

“The SCLA committee is vital to the future of the association and without their dedication it will cease to exist,” Bryan said.

Formed in 2005, the SCLA provides a pathway for the Sunshine Coast’s aspiring writers and enthusiasts to explore their interests, develop skills and showcase their work.  It allows like-minded individuals to exchange ideas and seek advice to develop their abilities.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, awards programs and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of members. The SCLA also promotes other state and national writing competitions that offer successful applicants great prizes and recognition.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer and becoming a member of the SCLA, to RSVP or to make a nomination for the executive committee, please email info@scliterary.org, visit www.scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690

A unique business philosophy and approach to digital marketing, has seen leading Internet marketing firm, Traffika attract great staff and achieve big results for its clients.

Now in its second year, Traffika continues to attract and maintain ‘major players’ from across Australia and worldwide with their growing reputation for excellence and the fresh way they approach business driven by their somewhat unconventional core values.

Traffika’s Managing Director, Matt Forman said Traffika’s business practice was guided by their eight core values which demonstrated their commitment to education, improvement and growth, shared knowledge, pushing the boundaries, challenging the ‘status quo’, giving and providing a superior client experience.

Traffika’s Social Media Specialist, Chris Pahor said the core values influence all parts of my role at Traffika, acting as a helpful motivator and helping bring tasks back on track from time to time.

“Traffika is the most dynamic company I have ever worked for, and this is driven by the people in each team being given the freedom to pursue ideas and take projects in their own direction,” Chris said.

“When I was looking for a company to work with, Traffika was very attractive because of its dynamic approach and core values.

“The whole team is wildly passionate about what they do which makes for an innovative and creative culture and a fantastic working environment,” Chris said.

“Everyone at Traffika applies an ‘always learning’ attitude to their jobs and are encouraged to embrace new things, an essential quality in an industry that is constantly changing,” Chris said.

“I love this about my job because it is a changing industry and the team is always learning from each other and also take part in industry education opportunities.”

Emily Vernon joined Traffika two years ago as their Business Growth Strategist after years of experience working in Online Marketing at companies Hitwise and Wotif.com.

“Traffika is unlike any company I have worked for before, because we, the staff, actually wrote the core values and agreed on them together,” Emily said.

“They ensure we are all working under the same vision and provide the foundation for our unique culture, what we strive for with our clients and how we interact with each other,” Emily said.

“Our team are really smart, intuitive online specialists with a real depth of experience and we all believe that you can never claim to be an expert because our industry, platforms, tools and technology changes so quickly,” Emily said.

Bond University, Lorna Jane, Sunsuper and Alibaba.com are just some of the companies reaping the benefits of Traffika’s ‘results driven’ approach.

Testament to their winning ‘business formula’, Traffika received the main prize for overall business excellence at the 2011 Sunshine Coast regional Westpac Business Excellence Awards, which recognises excellence and contribution in customer service, community involvement and employment.

Driven by one of Traffika’s core values, to ‘give and empower to receive and achieve’, the company has nominated to give 1% of it sales (not just profits) to charities and worthy causes around the world through the Buy 1 Give 1 program and aims to improve the lives of five million people by 2014. Since starting the program only five months ago, Traffika has already reached 5 per cent of their target, improving the lives of 232,095 people.

“Our core values shape who we are as an organisation and team by setting clear benchmarks for what is acceptable behaviour within the company and to our clients, suppliers, partners and the broader community, ” Matt said.

For more information about Traffika, visit www.traffika.com.au.

Bloomhill Cancer Help will hold their second annual Support Walk this Sunday, 7 August with hopes to double the amount raised last year.

The aptly named Support Walk will raise funds for the local charity so they can continue to offer valuable services across the Sunshine Coast region to those who are living with cancer and their families.

Walk Co-ordinators, Kerron Bromfield and Terry Bailey said as a non-profit organisation, Bloomhill relies on the money raised from the Op Shops, donations, grants and fundraising activities such as the Support Walk.

“Last year’s walk a great success with 200 walkers participating to raise more than $3,000 and we are hoping we can exceed that amount this Sunday,” Kerron said.

“Reaching this target will make a real difference in what Bloomhill can offer in the local community,” Kerron said.

Bloomhill patron and former Olympian, Raelene Boyle will lead the walkers at 9am which will follow the picturesque 2.5km walk from La Balsa Park on Harbour Parade to finish beside the Kawana Surf Club where a free sausage sizzle awaits to revive participants.

“The Support Walk is a great opportunity for families to spend time together, enjoy the great outdoors and support a worthy cause,” Kerron said.

A donation of $10 per person or $20 per family is requested to participate in the walk.

This year all sponsorship and registrations will be collected through Everyday Hero. Simply visit the website, www.everydayhero.com.au and search for Bloomhill under the ‘Heroes’ tab. If you wish to register, click on ‘Join the Team’ and follow the prompts or to make a donation or sponsor a family or friend, click ‘donate’.

For more information or to participate in the walk, please call Kerron Bromfield on 0438 322 098 or visit Bloomhill Cancer Help at 58 Ballinger Road, Buderim.