The cheques were flying thick and fast when Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson joined Nambour’s proudest community foundation to present $68,071 at the Sundale Community Foundation Annual Grants Ceremony on Tuesday (31 October).

The Mayor joined Foundation Chair Caroline Hutchinson to present the seventh annual grants awards to 13 local charitable organisations at the Nambour RSL.

Mr Jamieson said it was an honour to be part of the ceremony.

“Over those seven years, the grants provided to community groups and charities as part of these awards have improved so many lives within our community, particularly in Nambour and surrounding areas,” Mayor Jamieson said. 

“The generosity and commitment of this foundation and its partners is both heart-warming and inspirational. 

“I would like to acknowledge their efforts, as well as the hard work and dedication of the grant recipients as they strive to support and advance our vibrant hinterland hub.’’

SCF Chair, Caroline Hutchinson said it was an honour to distribute grants to local groups: “These are exciting projects at the heart of Nambour, and surrounds,” she said.

“From investment returns on the initial $1 million dollar donation provided by Sundale Limited in establishing the Foundation in 2015 and through the generous support of our Community Partners Ken Mills Toyota, Nambour RSL Club, Ray White Nambour, and an Anonymous Donor we will fund projects which will help so many locals, from kids, to teens, young mums to the homeless and the elderly – we are here to support you.”

Ken Mills Toyota Dealer Principal Brett Mills, said the Ken Mills Toyota Family were proud to be a part of the vibrant Nambour community. 

“And we appreciate the opportunity to be consistent supporters of the Sundale Community Foundation Grants program,” he said. 

“We deeply value the opportunities Sundale Community Foundation fosters within our community and treasure the invaluable connections we’ve forged with local organisations through this grant initiative. 

“This year, we are thrilled to support the Pyjama Foundation in their pursuit to provide driving lessons to young individuals in Foster Care, empowering them to pursue brighter futures.”

Nambour RSL CEO Suzanne Long said her club was glad to support the Foundation. 

“This year Nambour RSL Club has been fortunate to be able to contribute a total of $5000 between two Sunshine Coast-based projects,” she said. 

“We are again supporting Lily House, who play a pivotal role in mentoring young mothers by providing new uniforms to the incredible staff who create life changing journeys. 

“This year, we have also provided funding to Nambour Meals on Wheels who offer ‘more than just a meal’ to assist with the purchase of new security cameras.”

Principal Director Ray White Nambour Matt O’Grady said the annual Ray White Rodeo had become a firm fundraising feature on Nambour’s annual calendar, “bringing heaps of fun to town while raising lots of money”. 

“It’s an honour to distribute those funds to worthy causes, none more worthy than Brookes Street Kindy,” he said. 

Cheques were presented to:

• Pyjama Foundation: The love of learning program. Driving lessons for teens in Nambour $5,700. (Ken Mills $5000/SCF $700). 

• Lily House: Lily House Uniforms to raise awareness $3000.  Donor Nambour RSL.

• Nambour Meals on Wheels: Security Cameras Supply and install 3 cameras $2204.  Donors Nambour RSL $2000/SCF $204. 

• Brookes Street Nambour Community Kindergarten: Upgrade table / chairs $8114.50. Donor Ray White Nambour. 

• Cittamani Hospice Service Ltd: Specialist Nurse Vehicle Replacement $5000. Donors  Ray White $1885.50/SCF $3115.50. 

• Sonshine Sanctuary Association (DV): Upgrade of garden deck and playground $6,823.36. Anonymous Donor $5000/ SCF.

• Altitude Scholarships Altitude Scholarship Program: Pursue educational dreams due to financial constraints. $1500 for 5 years (one student) $7500.  

• Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy Workbooks Creating and publishing an Aust Speech Pathology workbook for people with PD $6242. 

• Anglican Parish Nambour Friday night burgers, free meals for the homeless / vulnerable. $5000.  

• Share the Dignity Dignity Vending Machines. $8000.  

• Suncoast Hinterland Softball Association Defibrillator First Aid Emergency Kits $3,490.  

• Graceville Centre - Lutheran Services Graceville Arts Centre: Located in Nambour - helping people with disability. New Exhibition Panels for Graceville Arts Centre $5000.  

• Palmwoods Community Kindergarten Wooden Blocks Replacement $1998.