Julian Burton

Bali bombing survivor to share how choosing gratitude can change your life at a special Buderim Foundation breakfast

Published on: March 14, 2024Category: News

Bali bombing survivor, Julian Burton, OAM, will be the special guest at a Buderim Foundation breakfast, where he will discuss how being grateful is a choice and the impact it can have on your life.

Just over 20 years ago, in 2002, Mr Burton experienced the unimaginable when he suffered life-threatening third-degree burns in the Bali bombings terrorist attack. Throughout his arduous rehabilitation, Julian was profoundly moved by the outpouring of support from his community. This experience ignited his passion for giving back, leading him to establish the Julian Burton Burns Trust in 2003.

Buderim Foundation Chair, Rod McKinnon, said the Foundation was thrilled to have Mr Burton come to present at the fundraising breakfast at Headland Golf Club on Wednesday, 10th April 2024.

“Julian’s story is one of resilience and optimism so we are thrilled to extend an invitation to the community to come and hear more about his extraordinary journey, where he will highlight the profound impact of gratitude, kindness, and purpose in overcoming life’s adversities,” Mr McKinnon said.

“Through unwavering commitment and dedication, while also rehabilitating from his injuries, Julian successfully raised over $20 million for crucial programs and projects across Australia, earning him accolades such as the Order of Australia Medal in 2008, and recognition as one of Australia’s top five Social Entrepreneurs in 2010.

Mr McKinnon said that following the success of the Burns Trust, 2018 saw Julian and his wife Kay transition their focus towards advancing other community organisations, and embark on a new philanthropic journey.

“The couple founded The Burton Foundation, committed to nurturing South Australian community initiatives. Alongside his philanthropic pursuits, Julian also assumes pivotal roles in two leading biotechnology firms, further exemplifying his steadfast dedication to driving positive change.

“So, bring your friends and family, or come meet new Foundation friends and join us for an enlightening discussion as Julian shares his invaluable wisdom on cultivating sustainability and steering transitions with grace, purpose and gratitude,” Mr McKinnon said.

Event Details:

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives in the Buderim area by harnessing the power of giving.

The Foundation works by carefully investing all donations and bequests which are never spent. The earnings from these investments are redistributed to the community via an annual grants program open to not-for-profit community organisations that provide a service and support to residents in the 4556 postcode area.

In addition, the Foundation manages the Thompson Charitable Fund which provides grants to organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness and financial distress on the whole Sunshine Coast.

2. BF FRRR Back to School grants presentation - Buderim Foundation's David Wood (second from right) presents vouchers to SunnyKids Alex Comino, Kym Chomley, Kathleen Hope (from left) and Riley Golden (on right)

Buderim Foundation provides another $43,500 in vital support to local families for school expenses

Published on: February 20, 2024Category: News

The Buderim Foundation is once again supporting local families with back-to-school expenses through the provision of $43,500 worth of vouchers, which have been distributed through schools and community organisations.

This year, the 570 vouchers have been distributed through Chancellor State College, Mountain Creek State School, Mountain Creek State High School and SunnyKids, as part of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Back to School Program.

Back to School grants presentation – Buderim Foundation’s David Wood (left) and Nico Hansen (right) present vouchers to Mountain Creek State High School Chaplain Stuart Cran

Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said the Buderim Foundation has been participating in the Back to School Program for the past 20 years.

Buderim FoundationThompson Fund Donation

Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund grant to provide vital food relief for Coast families through Christmas & beyond

Published on: December 14, 2023Category: News

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is pleased to announce a new $101,500 grant to Gateway Care to provide vital food vouchers for vulnerable people through the festive season and into 2024.

Bonnie Scorey, Rod McKinnon, Lani Refiti and Marg Welshe with cheque

Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said Gateway Care Limited is a not-for-profit organisation providing food, clothing and essential goods for Centrelink registered clients through their Food Distribution Centre at Caloundra.

“Cost-of-living and inflation are creating more challenges for everyone, and those most affected are the most vulnerable in our community so the Buderim Foundation is pleased to be able to work with organisations providing real relief for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness,” Rod McKinnon said.

David Wood, Ian and Leanne Harrison, Kent and Dessi Roberts, Rod McKinnon

Aus Living Support to assist 200 vulnerable Coast families thanks to $50,000 grant from the Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund

Published on: December 11, 2023Category: News

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is pleased to announce a new $50,000 grant to Aus Living Support Ltd to assist vulnerable Sunshine Coast residents find more permanent housing.

David Wood, Ian and Leanne Harrison, Kent and Dessi Roberts, Rod McKinnon

Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said Aus Living Support Ltd is a Sunshine Coast charity supporting the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless by helping with rent relief.

“Housing affordability and the cost-of-living are issues affecting more and more people in our community and the Buderim Foundation is pleased to be able to work with organisations providing real relief for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness,” Rod McKinnon said.

Buderim Community Carols 2023 preview

Buderim Community Carols to herald the beginning of the Christmas season

Published on: November 17, 2023Category: News

It’s only a few weeks until the Buderim Community Carols will once again herald the beginning of the Christmas session.

This year’s event presented by the Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA), with the support of the Community Bank Buderim Bendigo Bank, will be on Sunday, 10th December, from 5.30pm, at the Buderim Village Park, Church Street, Buderim and the BWMCA Carols Committee has been working for months, planning the event, which will be the best yet.

BWMCA Carols organiser Andrew Butterworth said last year’s event attracted at least 3,000 people, with families coming from across the Coast to celebrate together.

“This year’s entertainment is once again directed by local entertainment professional Riley Cope, and we are delighted that 7News Sunshine Coast’s Rosanna Natoli joining us again as MC.

Inspecting the new Buderim Garden Club arbour in Buderim Village Park - photo by Reflected Image PR RPR08776

Thousands explore the best Buderim Gardens as part of annual Festival

Published on: October 16, 2023Category: News

Thousands turned out to see the best Buderim gardens, garden sculptures, plants and flowers will all be showcased at the anticipated annual Buderim Garden Festival this weekend.

The Festival, which ran from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th October, is the showcase event of the Buderim Garden Club, which has been a Buderim institution since 1946, and the Festival itself dates back to 1975.

Buderim Garden Club president John Lyon said this year’s festival was better than ever, with perfect weather for the busy three-day schedule including Open Gardens, the Garden Sculpture Exhibition, the Spring Flower Show and Photographic Display, the Church Floral Display, as well as the always popular plant markets.

“The Buderim community has always had an affinity with gardening, and the Festival has once again attracted visitors from around the state,” Mr Lyons said.

“The Open Gardens included six very different but all beautiful gardens that showcase the diversity in size and style of gardening in our area including Buderim Village Park as garden no 1.

“Visitors to Buderim Villiage Park also had the opportunity to see the completion of the Buderim Garden Club’s Arbour Project, which saw the organisation help fund the new arbour facing the children’s playground, including installing some great signage with information about Buderim’s horticultural history,” Mr Lyons said.

The Buderim Garden Festival program also included a Twilight Plant Market on the green outside Buderim War Memorial Hall, including a sausage sizzle and coffee & cakes available from the adjacent Craft Cottage; the Spring Flower Show and Photographic Display inside Buderim War Memorial Hall, exclusive access to six different but beautiful gardens across Buderim as part of the Open Garden Program across the weekend, a Plant Market, outside on the green at Buderim War Memorial Hall, the Garden Sculpture Exhibition, at Buderim Craft Cottage and Floral Display at St Marks Anglican Church.

The Festival was made possible with the support of its volunteer members and the following sponsors: Manawee Garden Centre, Buderim Bendigo Community Bank and TM Estate Agents.

Author & photographer Ross Eason and graphic designer Alex Sweet 1 - photo by Tebani Slade_DSC8593a crop

The Buderim Region celebrated by Award-winning local photographer in a special new book

Published on: September 16, 2023Category: News

THE Buderim region is a unique place with a very special community, and it is that and so much more that is celebrated in a new book being launched today by Award-winning local photographer Ross Eason.

The gorgeous 196-page hardcover coffee table book, Four Five Five Six The Buderim Region has been a four-year labour of love for Ross Eason, which tells the stories of the local area, where he and his wife Judy have lived for the past 32 years, and where they raised their family.

“The idea for the book first came to be in 2012 as part of the 150th anniversary of Buderim’s founding because I wanted to create one book that encapsulated Buderim from the past to present time,” Mr Eason said.

Buderim Foundation 2023 grants

Assistance for our youngest to oldest residents in 2023 Buderim Foundation Community Grants

Published on: September 13, 2023Category: News

More than $97,000 is being awarded to community organisations benefiting the residents of the Buderim and 4556 region as part of the Buderim Foundation’s annual Community Grants Celebration.

Buderim Foundation 2023 grants

Funds will be awarded to 21 community organisations for projects ranging from kindergarten shade sails, the development of Dementia Awareness and Education programs and resources for cancer and palliative care patients as well as mental health programs, assistance to purchase new vehicles for nursing and animal rescue and more.

Sunnykids Buderim Foundation

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund provides a $65,800 grant to support vulnerable Sunshine Coast families

Published on: August 22, 2023Category: News

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is proud to provide a $65,800 grant to SunnyKids to help provide support for vulnerable Sunshine Coast families.

Buderim Foundation’s Charlie Morris, SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope and Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon -photo-by-Ross-Eason

Buderim Foundation chair Rod McKinnon said SunnyKids provides vital support for Sunshine Coast families in need of a helping hand on the Sunshine Coast.

“The Buderim Foundation’s Thompson Charitable Fund is proud to support SunnyKids and the work they do in providing emergency food, accommodation and other support,” Rod McKinnon said.

SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope said SunnyKids provides connections and support for vulnerable Sunshine Coast families focusing on providing complex case management, including long-term capacity-building and emotional support.

“We seek to assist families and individuals in some of the worst situations imaginable. Families arrive at SunnyKids hoping to access clothing, medicine, food or things like car registration which in turn allows them to focus less on transportation and more time on other vital family needs like getting the kids to school, doctors’ appointments, and getting to and from work,” Ms Hope said.

Buderim FoundationThompson Fund Gateway Care Grant

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund provides $100,000 grant for vital food relief for Coast families in crisis

Published on: June 30, 2023Category: News

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is proud to provide a $100,000 grant to Gateway Care Food Centre to support their Food Rescue Program.

Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund donation to Gateway Care Food Centre – Tom Lew and Lani Rafiti from Gateway Care receive cheque from Buderim Foundation’s Rod McKinnon and Rebecca Ramsay – photo by Ross Eason

Buderim Foundation chair Rod McKinnon said Gateway Care Food Centre plays a vital role in providing emergency food relief to families in crisis and those experiencing financial hardship on the Sunshine Coast.

“The Buderim Foundation’s Thompson Charitable Fund is proud to support the Gateway Care Food Centre and their Food Rescue Program,” Rod McKinnon said.

Gateway Care Chair Lani Refiti said the Gateway Care Food Centre is a non-denominational community organisation run entirely by volunteers.

“It currently spends approximately $15,000 per week on food items, ensuring that families in need have access to vital nourishment, and over 50% of these purchases are freely delivered to Sunshine Coast families experiencing financial difficulties.

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