How we’re growing connected and thriving communities

Encouraging us to be more welcoming and inclusive, hosting an array of amazing initiatives and events and delivering millions of dollars in grants to bring community projects to life. This is a strategy making a real difference.

It’s the Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019 - 2041 and its aim is to provide a long-term framework for how Council and our community work together to advance our shared goal of a strong community through to 2041.

The Community Strategy Annual Report for 2022/23, highlighting the key achievements of the past financial year, has been presented to Council’s latest meeting (October 26).

Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the annual report was packed full of highlights that made living in our region even better.

“Council’s Community Grants Program continues to deliver funding that supports and responds to community-identified needs and opportunities, with more than $5 million granted to local community organisations to support over 1000 projects, events and partnerships,” Cr Law said.

“Council’s flagship Healthy Sunshine Coast program returned with almost 4000 people registering for the program choosing from more than 40 weekly activities.

“Key deliverables under Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, such as establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relations with First Nations organisations and increased understanding, value and recognition of First Nations cultures also continued to further strengthen reconciliation commitments within the organisation and across the region.

“Earlier this year Council officially committed to participate in the Welcoming Cities Network, strengthening our commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion and creating a region where everyone belongs.”

Working together to build strong communities

Further key highlights from the Community Strategy Annual Report include:

The Candlelight Vigil at Cotton Tree Park was delivered with community partners to raise awareness and prevent domestic and family violence.
Lived experience pilot with people experiencing homelessness and supported community-led initiatives to respond to homelessness.
The preparation of the draft All Abilities Action Plan 2024-2028 to improve access and inclusion for people with disability across our region.
More than 40 community engagement projects launched on Council’s Have your Say website .
Council, along with the Sunshine Coast 2032 Legacy Plan Community Reference Group launched the Sunshine Coast 10+10+ vision , which outlines what the region is seeking to achieve as a key delivery partner in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Horizon Festival 2022 was an immersive experience and celebrated the natural landscape of the Sunshine Coast, honouring stories and culture of the region’s First Nations peoples.
ThinkChange , Council’s branded travel behaviour change program, continued to help everyone identify ways to reduce their car use and rethink travel approaches.

“Busy and vibrant community, cultural and sporting venues continued to bring our communities together thanks to various infrastructure enhancements and programming and activations in our libraries, gallery, historic houses, aquatic centres, community venues and sporting venues,” Cr Law said.

“We want the Sunshine Coast to be the best place to live for our residents and the Community Strategy 2019 – 2041 helps us to plan and support our communities well to ensure we remain strong, continue to thrive and can adapt well to change.

“The Community Strategy provides a framework to build on our values and shape a community which is healthy and active, vibrant, inclusive, connected and resilient, and creative and innovative.”

To view Council’s Community Strategy Annual Report, please visit Council’s website.