By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
SUNSHINE butterflies will receive a $16,000 shed courtesy of Queensford College in return for the enrolment of eight staff in a diploma of community services.
The shed will be one of the first main constructions on the local non-for-profit organisation’s “Our Backyard” hobby farm.
A registered training organisation based in Brisbane, Adelaide and Toowoomba, Queensford College provides a variety of courses from business to hospitality to community services.
The college approached the group last year about courses to upskill staff, and with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) fast approaching, founder of Sunshine Butterflies Leanne Walsh embraced the opportunity.
Leanne said she didn’t expect the generosity of Queensford College to give back so much in return, but was excited to use the donation to purchase a shed for the “Our Backyard“ project situated on their five-acre hobby farm at Cooroibah.
“We purchased the land for the hobby farm in September last year and since then it is well under development with clearing of the block to build the animal yards, gardens, orchard, outdoor fire pit, playground and activity sheds for their programs,” Leanne said.
“The donation of the shed is one step closer to realising our vision for the farm, so it is really exciting for us and we are extremely thankful.”
Sunshine Butterflies’ “Our Backyard“ project is a five-acre hobby farm in Cooroibah (just out of Tewantin/Noosa) that has something for everyone of all ages and abilities including a three-bedroom wheelchair accessible house called “Butterfly House” which will be available for short or long-term respite or family stays.
It will become the new home of all Sunshine Butterflies activities, allowing members plenty of room to spread their wings and shine.
Leanne said that the skills to be learnt through the Queensford College course would also be highly beneficial to the team of volunteers.
“We are always looking to upskill our staff and this has become even more critical with NDIS
soon to be introduced,” Leanne said.
“The NDIS will make for a much more competitive market and we need our staff to be as ready as possible for the changes so that we can keep our services running while providing a quality service.”
Sunshine Butterflies currently has 22 staff employed who work either directly with their disabled members in day programs, as swim instructors, respite workers or within the administrative areas.
