By JOLENE OGLE
PLANS for the Sunshine Butterflies’ hobby farm in Cooroibah have taken flight this week with the delivery of an ex-army shed valued at $60,000.
The 25m shed was surplus from the Vietnam War effort, having never been sent to the frontline but instead stored at the Wallangarra depot.
The shed was delivered flat-packed to Sunshine Butterflies’ new property at Cooroibah and will be used as the main activity shed.
Sunshine Butterflies founder Leanne Walsh said the donation of the shed from the Australian Defence Force was a wonderful addition to the organisation’s plans to build a hobby farm that would offer animal therapy along with the group’s already successful art and music programs for children with disabilities.
The shed is yet to be constructed, but director of Russell Green Strategic and former Councillor Russell Green has donated his time and skills to help Sunshine Butterflies apply for planning approval through Noosa Council.
Mr Green said the application was far from simple with a host of paperwork to be completed before sending it to council.
“There is a lot to do,” Mr Green said. “But it’s great to be able to offer my skills and call on help to get the paperwork to council. It is simply the right thing to do. What they do is wonderful.”
Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss applied for the shed donation on behalf of Sunshine Butterflies and said the organisation should be commended for their work in helping people shine through ability.
“Your new program at Cooroibah will build on your achievements and this donation is fitting recognition of the tireless work carried out by your volunteers to provide this much appreciated community service,” he said.
Sunshine Butterflies also received over $30,000 in funding as part of the latest round of grants from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Member for Noosa Glen Elmes announced the groups to benefit from the funds last week, with the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club scoring over $28,000 in funding, the Eumundi District Swim Club has been awarded over $12,000, while the Noosa Navy Cadets will benefit from over $34,000 in funding.
Ms Walsh said the organisation had been desperate for extra funds to start construction at the property.
“We need the funding to build sheds to move all existing and new programs to, as well as our office and therapy room,” she said.
“With the help of the grant, we will be able to complete two new sheds making us one step closer to completion and reaching our vision of ‘our backyard’ hobby farm.”
