Events

At Home Instead Sunshine Coast and Gympie, everything we do is driven by our universal mission to enhance the lives of ageing adults and their families.

Everyday we strive to make this mission a reality in every home in which we have the privilege of caring with our quality car, companionship and support.

Nerilee Sowter has dedicated the past three decades to the noble cause of international not-for-profits, where she has tirelessly worked to transform the lives of those trapped in poverty and slavery.
Her journey to helping children get out of the sex trade began in 2011 when she felt a powerful calling to be an advocate for children sold into the sex trade. After numerous eye-opening trips to some of the world's most vulnerable regions, she recognized the urgent need to be a voice for these enslaved children.

In 2014, Nerilee embarked on her journey with Destiny Rescue Australia as the Team Trip Manager, leading numerous teams on missions to Cambodia and Thailand, raising awareness about the harrowing issues of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Her commitment and passion shone through, leading to her appointment as Partnerships Manager, where she currently serves as an integral part of the fundraising and donor care team.

Glynis Saunders serves as the President of the Golden Beach Community Garden Inc., where she has been instrumental in transforming a long-held community vision into a thriving reality. Under her leadership, the garden has become a vibrant space for residents to cultivate nutritious food, acquire sustainable gardening skills, and foster meaningful connections. Before assuming her current role, Glynis contributed her expertise as the Treasurer of the Caloundra Women's Shed, demonstrating her commitment to community development and empowerment. Her dedication to fostering inclusive environments has significantly enriched the social fabric of the Caloundra region.  

Dr Lloyd Walker in recognised as one of Australia's leaders in the policy and practice of assistive technologies (AT) for people with disability and older people.

He was Director - AT Market Policy & Innovation at the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to the end of January 2025. In his work nationally and internationally (including to the WHO), he takes a collaborative, evidence-based approach informed through his lived experience of disability to deliver better outcomes for all stakeholders. In November 2024 he was recognised with the David Dewhurst Award by Engineers Australia.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, Lloyd lives with his Environmental Engineer wife, Michelle and continues to contribute to a number of community and Uniting Church activities in his spare time.
 

I’m a proud mum and grandmother who has called Queensland home since moving from Melbourne in 1996. My partner Peter and I have been running our own business since 1997, and when I’m not working, you’ll find me out in the garden (I definitely have a green thumb!), walking my dog Ally along the beach in Caloundra, or planning my next adventure—Paris and Turkey are two of my absolute favourite places to visit.

My journey with Shed the Light began 20 years ago when I met its founder, Susan. Her passion for helping vulnerable children in Nepal was truly inspiring, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. I’ve now been President of the orphanage for 15 years, working alongside an incredible team to support the children in any way we can. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Nepal twice (and I’m hoping to go again soon!), helping open the Nepali shop in Maleny to raise funds, and leading the redesign of the orphanage’s website to share our work with more people.

I’m really excited to share more about Shed the Light with you all and to talk about the difference we can make together.