Harcourts Foundation Paves the Way for Sunshine Butterflies with $5,000 Grant

Sunshine Butterflies, the beloved disability support charity nestled in the Noosa countryside, has received a $5,000 boost from the Harcourts Foundation.

This funding is set to transform accessibility at ‘Our Backyard’, their 15-acre community oasis, ensuring that getting stuck in the mud is a thing of the past for their members.

The grant is specifically allocated to Stage 2 of the Accessible Pathway Loop. As anyone who has visited the Sunshine Coast during a downpour knows, the existing grass trails can quickly become a no-go zone for wheelchairs and walkers. This project changes that narrative completely.

By funding essential earthworks, surfacing, and drainage, the Harcourts Foundation is helping connect the animal enclosures, gardens, and activity hubs.

It means the 100+ members living with disabilityalong with the thousands of families, school groups, and locals who visit annually, can navigate the space safely and independently, whatever the weather.

This upgrade is a massive leap towards Sunshine Butterflies’ long-term vision of full site accessibility. It’s about more than just concrete; it’s about dignity, inclusion, and ensuring everyone can enjoy the vibrant programmes on offer without barriers.

Pauline Smith, Head of the Harcourts Foundation, shared her thoughts on the partnership: "We exist to support and enrich our communities, and honestly, we couldn't think of a better way to do that than helping Sunshine Butterflies make their beautiful backyard accessible to everyone.

It’s a privilege to play a small part in building a more connected, inclusive future for the region."

Sunshine Butterflies founder, Leanne Walsh, expressed her gratitude for the support, saying: "This project has been a dream of ours for a long time, and seeing it come to life with the help of the Harcourts Foundation is truly heartwarming.

It’s not just about creating an accessible space; it’s about creating a place where everyone feels they belong, regardless of their abilities.

We’re so excited for the community to come together and enjoy this special space."

The collaboration has already brought smiles to many faces, and as the final touches are placed on the outdoor area, the sense of anticipation is palpable. Both organisations look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on individuals and families in the community for years to come.

"We know that to truly support our community, we need to show up in meaningful ways," says Ms Smith. "Seeing these pathways come to life is a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together to build a more inclusive future."