Initiative builds on existing event-led initiatives that have planted 60,000 trees, delivered $100,000 in community upgrades and raised thousands for local charities.
Visit Sunshine Coast has launched a dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to connect conferences and business events with local charities and community organisations that create lasting social, environmental and economic impact across the region.
The initiative was celebrated at a launch event held at Mooloolaba Surf Club this month, attended by around 100 members of Visit Sunshine Coast alongside representatives from six local charities: SunnyKids, LifeFlight, Smart Pups, Wishlist, Wildlife Warriors and Lookout 07.
The initiative provides event organisers with a simple way to incorporate meaningful giving into their conferences, corporate events and incentive programs helping delegates leave a positive legacy long after an event concludes.
Head of Business Events at Visit Sunshine Coast, Ali Thompson-Ennis, said the initiative reflects growing demand from event organisers seeking destinations that offer purpose alongside traditional business outcomes.
“Business events have always delivered significant economic benefits for the Sunshine Coast, but increasingly organisers are looking to create a meaningful legacy as well,” said Thompson-Ennis.
“This initiative makes it easy for event planners to connect with local charities and causes that align with their values, helping conferences and incentive groups leave a positive impact on our community while enhancing the delegate experience.
“It’s another way the Sunshine Coast is demonstrating that we are the responsible choice for business events.”
The Sunshine Coast attracts more than 100 business events annually, generating more than $100 million in economic impact for the region. The new CSR initiative aims to extend that impact beyond the visitor economy, creating meaningful benefits for local communities and causes.
L-R: Ali Thompson-Ennis (Visit Sunshine Coast), Jazzmin White (SunnyKids), Amy Agius (LifeFlight), Deb Donohoe (Smart Pups), Brendan Hogan (Wishlist), Nadine Baumann (Wildlife Warriors) and Dr Leon Stensholm (Lookout 07)
CSR initiative already delivering results
While the CSR initiative was launched this month, business events on the Sunshine Coast are already delivering tangible outcomes for local communities and causes.
Through the International Mathematical Olympiad, delegates contributed to the planting of 60,000 trees globally and 1,200 trees locally. The O’Brien Advantage Conference delivered $100,000 worth of plumbing and electrical improvements to the Maroochydore Neighbourhood Centre, while the Austbrokers Conference raised more than $10,000 for the Noosa Foundation. Most recently, the Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association Conference raised more than $10,000 for SunnyKids, helping support vulnerable children and families across the Sunshine Coast.
At the heart of the newly launched initiative are six local charities and community organisations helping to create stronger, healthier and more resilient communities across the Sunshine Coast.
SunnyKids: Supporting vulnerable children and families
SunnyKids supports vulnerable children and families across the Sunshine Coast through crisis accommodation, domestic and family violence support and access to health and education services, helping more than 5,000 children every year. Event organisers can support SunnyKids through fundraising initiatives, donations or tailored event partnerships.
LifeFlight: Saving lives across the region
LifeFlight started on the Sunshine Coast in 1979 and today provides emergency rescue, aeromedical transport and critical care services across Queensland. Community support helps fund life-saving equipment, specialised training and critical care capabilities that go beyond core service delivery.
Smart Pups: Changing lives one assistance dog at a time
Smart Pups trains and places assistance dogs for children living with autism, epilepsy, diabetes and mobility challenges. The organisation provides highly trained companions that help unlock confidence, independence and improved quality of life for children and their families.
Wishlist: Supporting better healthcare close to home
Wishlist is the Sunshine Coast’s local hospital charity, funding vital medical equipment, research, support services and accommodation for patients and families. Each year, the organisation distributes more than $1 million to support local public healthcare and provides affordable accommodation for patients and families, with beds occupied for 10,000 nights across its accommodation facilities in FY24/25.
Wildlife Warriors: Protecting wildlife locally and globally
Wildlife Warriors supports wildlife conservation projects in Australia and around the world, including the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. The organisation works to protect wildlife, conserve habitat and support communities living alongside threatened species. They treat between 8 – 9,000 koalas annually.
Lookout 07: Supporting youth mental health and wellbeing
Lookout 07 is a youth mental health and wellbeing centre supporting young people aged 12 to 25 across the Sunshine Coast. Through mentoring, early intervention, wellbeing programs and a safe drop-in space, the organisation helps ensure young people have access to support when they need it most.
Event organisers interested in incorporating a CSR component into their Sunshine Coast event can explore partnership opportunities here: https://businesseventssunshinecoast.com/corporate-social-responsibility/
