Events

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.

Christine Wellfare Location Manager White Lady Funerals Caloundra

• Became a Rotary Exchange Student in 1987 to New Zealand where I found my passion for the funeral industry
• Started working in the funeral Industry in 1995 at the age of 26
• Opened branches in Sutherland NSW and Roseville NSW
• Moved to QLD and opened White Lady Warana in 2009 and Caloundra in 2014
• Worked with many nursing homes to deliver Pearls for Girls Beading Workshops
• Pet therapy – greyhound visits to nursing homes
• Looked after 1000’s of families creating a meaningful farewell for their loved ones for over 30 years in two states
• Arranged pre paid funeral plans
• Volunteer for the CWA SconeTime project

Greg is a member of the rotary Club of Maleny

Emma is an Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience working in mental health and runs her own private  OT practice. Emma uses beekeeping as part of her therapy to encourage mindfulness as an activity to assist mental health.

She works for Lifeline in their Community Recovery team when called upon.

Emma is also a volunteer lifesaver at Dicky Beach Surf Club

Her hobbies are beekeeping, yoga, cycling, bush walking, ocean swimming and camping

Greg is a Pharmacist with over 30 years experience working both part time and locuming in the Sunshine Coast area

He is a volunteer lifesaver at Dicky Beach Surf Club

His hobbies are beekeeping, woodwork, bush walking, ocean swimming, camping and music

Donna Cavanagh
Dip Mental Health
Member of the Australian &
New Zealand Mental Health Association
Recovery Coach
Australia Day Awards (Ipswich Citizen of the Year 2023)
Helping Support Minds
Mental Health First Aid Training
1.5hr Mental Health Workshops
Outreach Mental Health Services

I have been with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for four months now. Prior to joining OFT, I spent 24 years with the Department of Education, where I worked as an Administrative Officer at various school. Transitioning to OFT has been a rewarding experience—I genuinely enjoy the work and feel fortunate to be part of such a supportive and collaborative team.

The Queensland Air Museum is run entirely by volunteers to preserve Australia’s aviation heritage. You will be amazed and inspired by our collection of over 80 historic military and civilian aircraft set on two hectares in beautiful Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. 

Many of our military aircraft have played essential roles in defending our nation and supporting our allies throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. Our exhibits also include iconic civilian and utility aircraft complementing our military theme, making the collection the largest and most diverse in Australia. 

Our restoration and conservation work is challenging and ongoing. Since 1973, we have salvaged, purchased and restored over 100 aircraft. In addition, we have a large display of aero-engines, an extensive range of rare artefacts, books and reference materials and a growing collection of audio-recorded stories from the people who have lived our aviation history.

The Queensland Air Museum is a not-for-profit organisation that receives income from visitors and private donations. Your visit will contribute significantly to our ongoing work and enable us to continue the preservation of this unique collection. 

Greig is our currant AG and is a member of our dinner club in Caloundra, Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific (CALPAC)

CPAP Direct is an independent, privately owned business. It is not a franchise or part of a national chain although we have outlets in Queensland, NSW & Victoria. We also supply to and support a network of independent partner clinics that share our ethics and values in the sleep industry. We pride ourselves on making a difference! Personalized service, understanding patient needs and offering the best prices on the latest technology in the treatment of Sleep Apnea are just a few ways our company achieves this. Our aim is to help patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea overcome the debilitating effects of the condition and live longer, healthier & more enhanced lives.

David Garrod is the Package Director for the Greenfield component of The Wave – Stage 1 (Rail), leading delivery planning and procurement for one of Queensland’s most significant new transport infrastructure projects.

With over two decades of experience delivering complex rail and infrastructure programs across both the United Kingdom and Australia, David has worked on major projects in London Underground and other UK infrastructure, as well as across New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. His previous leadership roles include Sydney’s Central Station Upgrade and key packages on the Inland Rail program.

David is passionate about building collaborative, high-performing teams and delivering projects that enhance regional connectivity, safety, and sustainability. Based in Brisbane, he leads the Greenfield team through the early contractor involvement phase, bringing together government, industry, and community stakeholders to shape a project that will transform travel between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

<p>Debbie is the Branch Manager at Commonwealth Bank Caloundra. With over 18 years at CBA and a prior 20-year career with ASB Bank in New Zealand, Deborah brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving her community. Since relocating from New Zealand, she has worked in branches along the Sunshine Coast, where her passion for customer service and community engagement continues to thrive.</p> <p>Joining Debbie is Rachel , Caloundra Branch Concierge, who has been with Commonwealth Bank for an impressive 28 years. Rachel is known for her warm customer interactions and dedication to helping people navigate their banking needs with confidence.</p> <p>Together, Debbie and Rachel are passionate advocates for digital safety. Their presentation will focus on empowering the community with practical knowledge about staying safe online and protecting themselves from scams and fraud. While this is something they do daily with customers in-branch, they are now extending their efforts to the wider community&mdash;ensuring everyone has the tools and awareness to stay secure in an increasingly digital world.</p>