Events

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.

BIO - Amanda & Sophie’s Story – Founders of HospitalPJs.com

HospitalPJs.com was founded by Amanda after her daughter, Sophie, suffered a stroke at just four years old and became a frequent patient at the Mater Children’s Hospital. Inspired by the challenges of hospital life—especially the difficulty of dressing a child connected to medical equipment—Amanda began designing bright, hospital-friendly pyjamas that were both practical and uplifting.

What started as a way to bring comfort to Sophie soon grew into a mission to support other children and families during hospital stays. The pyjamas are now donated free of charge, thanks to generous sponsors.

Today, Sophie is 19 and at university, working alongside Amanda to raise $100,000 in honour of Queensland Children’s Hospital’s 10th birthday—continuing their commitment to bringing dignity, colour, and comfort to children in care.

Maggie Cairns is a community facilitator and program lead with a passion

for supporting women and marginalised communities through connection,

dignity, and practical solutions.  Maggie was brought on a year ago to lead Better Together Housing

through the final year of its initial five-year, state-funded chapter. Her role has

been to evolve the program using a strong community development

approach, building relationships, confidence, and outcomes for women over

55 facing housing insecurity.