By RON LANE
FRIDAY 27 May 2016 is a date that will live in my memory forever. It was on this evening, on the verandah of the Noosa Surf Club, that along with a handful of my club mates, I had occasion to meet with a group of children who really made us understand the meaning of the word courage.
These kids had suffered massive burns and other injuries to various parts of their small bodies. To hear their laughter as they mingled and met new friends was indeed heart-warming. At first, they were shy and held back, but as the evening progressed they began to relax.
The occasion was a fund-raising evening for an organisation known as the K.I.D.S. Foundation. The letters say it all; Kids In Dangerous Situations. Happy to relate our people opened their hearts and really made the children feel welcome.
According to their Annual Report 2014-’15, the foundation was launched in 1993 by Ballarat-
based former primary school teacher Suzie O’Neill; a lady not to be confused with our former
Olympic champion who bears the same name. This entity is dedicated to, “childhood injury prevention and injury recovery.”
“It all came about some years ago,” said Suzie, “when I suddenly realised that there was no
rehabilitation centre for kids with serious injury. We have now opened our first facility in
Ballarat and now support up to 650 children a year.
Most people don’t realise that some 5000 children are injured in Australia every day and have to
attend an emergency department. Of these 200 will stay in hospital, and on average one will
die. Ours is the only injury recovery and prevention charity that does this kind of work in
Australia.”
To say that this foundation is in the right hands is spot on, for Suzie has recently completed
her PhD in education at the Monash University. ‘’Her thesis titled, Developing safety risk
intelligence in children, has gained international recognition with three papers published in
national and international journals.’’
The man responsible for bringing this organisation to our attention, Donald McKill, a member of the Noosa Heads Surf Club training team, was the master of ceremonies, and the guests were welcomed and guest speakers introduced.
In her remarks, Suzie O’Neill said, “I am overwhelmed by the support from the people of Noosa and indeed very grateful.’’
However, the highlight of the evening had to be when 20-year-old Mathew Thiele, Youth
Ambassador, Volunteer and Spokesman stepped forward to speak. Mathew, himself a survivor
of horrific burns received as a three-year-old child in a car crash said, “This gives us the opportunity
to come out, mix with you people and make new friends and is very important for us. Thank you
for your support and having us here tonight.” Apart from his work as ambassador, Matt helps
run and maintain the Burns Survivors data base.
This young man is indeed an inspiration, for despite his injuries he has overcome all, to
obtain his black belt in karate.
Speaking on behalf of the surf club, manager Anton Mogg thanked all those involved. He
then introduced two lifesavers Ken Edwards and Big Peter Williams, who will drive the support
vehicle for the Coffs Harbor to Noosa Charity Bike Ride in August. This event is also part of the
fund-raising program for the foundation. He then went on to acknowledge the presence and
support of Councilor Joe Jurisevic and Scott Braby of the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
‘’We are only too happy to work for such worthy causes, and we will continue to do so
as we believe our Noosa Surf Club has become an important part of the local community.’’
He then finished off by thanking Hasting Street Beach Houses for sponsoring accommodation and
Peter Thynne of the Surf Club Restaurant for providing the excellent food.
“Also a big thank you to our local business houses who donated articles and holidays to be auctioned.”
During the course of the evening, auctions were conducted and several private donations
were received. As the group of one hundred guests mingled, enjoying the food and hospitality it
became apparent from discussions, that all would be in support of helping whenever the need
arises.
After the function, Donald McKill said, “Locals who were in attendance but unaware of the big
charity ride from Coffs Harbor to Noosa, asked about joining the team as riders. This is
fantastic. It really was a great way to end the evening.”
On the cover of the Annual Report for 2014-’15 next to a photograph of a child who has
recovered from burns, there is a very poignant message from the children. Accept me for who I
am, inspire me to achieve my dreams, give me courage to allow me to grow, and teach me to
be safe — or how will I know?
Inspired by these words, people of our community are teaming together to give help to these
children. The team is made up of Donald McKill organiser and charity bike rider, Anton Mogg
and Peter Thynne of the surf club, David and Peta Woods of Hasting Street Beach Houses, Christy
Johnston and Sheldon Shultz of the charity bike ride team from the Sunshine Beach Surf Life
Saving Club, and Ken Edwards and Big Peter Williams, support team for the bike ride, both of
the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club. Having stood up to be counted for a worthy cause, we
are only too happy to acknowledge them- as Our People.
