buddies

The Golf Day Fundraising Event was a wonderful success from a number of different angles. Probably one of the most positive was the ‘exposure’ to the refugee situation of people who would otherwise not have had anything to do with the plight of refugees, let alone with refugees themselves. This happened through the generous media coverage over the past few months and through the contact with businesses and individuals when they were approached for donations of prizes and auction items. It is encouraging to us to see just how well ‘Buddies’ is perceived in the community, how well known is the work of ‘Buddies’, and how willing a few workers in the media are to publicise and promote the work of Buddies. Financially the event was very successful. The public exposure, though, was probably even more important. A very significant, positive part of the day was the public apology by Mayor Joe Natoli directly to Abdul for the way that Abdul had been held in Australian detention for almost six years. Joe is obviously deeply committed to the cause of human rights. He supported the event in very practical ways, particularly by promoting it through his business network, the Tourism Board and the Chamber of Commerce. Those who spent time on the beautiful new deck had a pleasant, friendly afternoon, listening to music, playing games and generally enjoying each other’s company and the food! The golf players seemed to enjoy themselves. As well as the golf, there were a number of competitions on the course. We are grateful to those who helped on the day or in the planning and preparation – Buddies and non-Buddies alike. For some it was a very busy day! The overall planning and preparation took an exceptional amount of time and effort. The ‘mopping up’, getting prizes out to winners, writing letters of thanks to all involved and so on is still taking time and effort. It has been a massive production! We are pleased that it worked so well. Again, we wish to thank the SPONSORS of the event: A.Cullen & Sons Peugeot Dealership, Nambour; Blacklaw Civil Engineering, Forest Glen; Bosanquet Foley Architects, Brisbane; Bromilow Home Support Services, Buderim; Buderim Tavern, Buderim; Claire Moore, Labor Senator Queensland; Fencescape Fencing, Forest Glen; Law Cleaning Services, Nambour; Lloyd Edwards - Ray White Real Estate, Buderim; Shadforths Civil Engineering, Forest Glen; Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs; Steve Dickson, Liberal MP Kawana; Stephen Gurr Sports and Clinical Dietician, Noosa; St Teresa’s College, Noosaville; Sun City Homes, Warana; The Duporth Riverside, Maroochydore; Tim Williams Property Lawyers, Maroochydore; Rebel Sport, Maroochydore. …and all who donated items for prizes or to be auctioned. ‘Buddies’ acknowledges and is particularly thankful for the extraordinary level of support given by - Maroochy Mayor, Joe Natoli and the Maroochy Council; Visual artist Kendall, her husband Wil Brakels and family; The Sunshine Coast Daily, ABC 90.3 and HOT FM 91.1 WE ALSO WISH TO GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECEIPT OF A ‘RAPID RESPONSE GRANT’ FROM MAROOCHY COUNCIL. Thanks, Barbara and John