The newly rebranded Nambour Community Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Sunshine Coast community, unveiling a fresh identity and awarding nearly $68,000 in grants to local groups at its 2024 grants ceremony. The foundation, formerly known as the Sundale Community Foundation, has provided over $400,000 in grants to 90 local organisations since its inception in 2016.

Local lawyer Al Upton from Butler McDermott Solicitors, recently took over as chair from breakfast radio announcer Caroline Hutchinson and helped distribute the cheques at the ceremony.

“Our volunteer Board of Directors is dedicated to working alongside local community groups and building strong partnerships for our annual grants round,” Mr Upton said. “Nambour Community Foundation’s goal is to further grow and sustain our annual giving program. To date, we proudly celebrate more than $400,000 in grants provided to 90 local groups in Nambour and the surrounding communities.”

Established in 2016 with $1 million in initial funding from Sundale Limited, the Foundation has continued to thrive through the support of local corporate partners such as Ken Mills Toyota, Nambour RSL, Ray White Nambour, Butler McDermott Solicitors and other community donors.

Ms Hutchinson O.A.M. was on hand to present the 2024 grant awards to the 11 deserving recipients.

Sundale Limited Board Chair Terence Seymour expressed his support for the rebranding. “This strategic change not only reflects our ongoing commitment to the Nambour community and surrounds but also strengthens our shared mission to support and uplift the lives of those we serve. We look forward to the positive impact this refreshed identity will bring and are excited to support the Foundation in this new chapter,” he said.

Ken Mills Toyota, the longest-serving corporate partner of the Nambour Community Foundation, remains a cornerstone of support for the annual grants program. Dealer Principal Brett Mills reflected on the deep ties his family business had with the local community. “The Ken Mills Toyota family takes great pride in being part of the Nambour community, and we are grateful for the chance to consistently support the annual grants program.

“We truly value the opportunities the Foundation creates within our community and cherish the relationships we’ve built with local organisations through this initiative,” he said.

This year, Ken Mills Toyota provided $5000 in funding to Mapleton State School for essential classroom equipment, specifically for the installation of Hear and Learn Soundfields solutions in their classrooms.

“We are excited to assist Mapleton State School in creating a better learning environment for their students through this funding,” Mr Mills said.

The Nambour RSL Club has also played a key role in the ongoing success of the Foundation’s annual grants program. “We have been honoured to support the needs of our community over the years through this wonderful grants program,” Nambour RSL CEO Suzanne Long said.

This year, Nambour RSL contributed $5000 to Cittamani Hospice Service, an organisation that provides compassionate support to families facing the profound challenges of end-of-life care. “Cittamani plays a vital role in our region, offering compassionate support to families facing the profound challenges of end-of-life care,” Ms Long said.

“Their mission empowers individuals to live their remaining days with dignity and on their own terms, creating meaningful moments in a difficult time.”

Ray White Nambour is another strong supporter of the Foundation’s efforts. Selling Principal Matt O’Grady shared his excitement about the ongoing partnership. “We are so pleased that there is an avenue for the funds raised from the Ray White Nambour Rodeo to go directly to fantastic community organisations,” he said. “These organisations work hard with little funding and produce amazing results that benefit the Nambour and surrounding communities. We look forward to being a part of this program for many years to come.”

This year’s recipients showcase a diverse range of initiatives that benefit the local community:

• Cittamani Hospice Services $6,672 (including $5,000 from Nambour RSL) – Specialist medical equipment.

• Nambour Crushers Junior Rugby League $10,000 – Multi-tiered grandstand for spectators.

• Blackall Range Care Group Ltd $5,000 (Ray White Nambour) – Carpet replacement at Day Respite Centre.

• Kidney Support Network $10,000 – Community transport vehicle for dialysis patients.

• The Compass Institute Inc. $1,452 (Ray White Nambour) – Upgrades to the Art Haven Space at Compass Farm.

• Cancer Patients Foundation $3,300 (Ray White Nambour) – “Look Good Feel Better” program.

• AEIOU Foundation $10,115 – Specialised equipment for children with autism at AEIOU Sippy Downs.

• Mapleton State School $4,536 (Ken Mills Toyota) – Hear to Learn Soundfields for classrooms.

• Brookes St Nambour Kindergarten $8,736 – Soft fall replacement.

• Sunshine Coast Health Foundation $6,642.50 (including $5,000 from an anonymous donor) – Washing machine and dryer for Reed House.

• Lily House $1,500 – Ceiling fans for the outdoor deck.

The total amount awarded this year is $67,954.44.

For more information, including how to apply for 2025 grants or become a Community Giving Partner, visit www.ncf.org.au.