The Sunshine Coast has confronted many challenges in 2021 but as the year comes to a close, it's time to recognise our collective achievements.
As with previous years, Mayor Mark Jamieson will provide his State of our Region update on December 8.
Mayor Jamieson will be joined by a number of community representatives for an update on progress of the region, showcase some of our outstanding achievements and the priorities for the year ahead.
The online premiere will feature community champions that have helped connect our community throughout the year.
Community champions featuring in the presentation include:
Jodi Salmond of Reef Check Australia, a marine researcher specialising in citizen science, conservation biology and reef ecology who uses hands-on research and community education to encourage everyone to become the best versions of themselves and to look after the planet.
Haeng-A Kim a recent graduate of the Sunshine Coast Migrant Work Ready program, who is passionate about creating a better world through education and who has volunteered alongside Sunshine Coast Council through our long-running Adult Literacy Program.
Local wellbeing experts, Aaron and Khayt Williams of Mindstar, who Council is proud to have worked alongside to deliver a small business support portal that provides business advice, as well as wellbeing support and strategies to business owners, their staff and our region to B-Well and Prosper.
Award-winning students from Glasshouse Christian College, including Angelique Hallett, Ebony Quinlan and LEDPlates Team of Arno Mens, Charlie Bidgood and Josiah who will provide a young peoples' perspective and talk about their achievements for 2021.
Australian wheelchair basketball player, Paralympic silver and bronze medallist and University of the Sunshine Coast Lecturer, Public Health Dr Bridie Kean who will reflect on 2021 and the opportunities presented by the Sunshine Coast region's role in the delivery of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
David Wardle the Managing Director of locally based business Quik Corp, who will share his experience on being a growing and leading business on the Sunshine Coast and the opportunities available for local businesses.
State of our Region will also showcase council's strong commitment to creating a safer, secure future for our community and supporting the region's recovery from the economic and social impacts of COVID-19.
Mayor Jamieson said the past 12 months had been among the most extraordinary he had seen in nearly ten years in local government.
"Emotionally, financially and socially our community had been tested with the cancellation of much-loved events, closures of public facilities, supply chain challenges and the emotional burden of uncertainty," Mayor Jamieson said.
"Despite all of these challenges, our region has a lot to be proud of and to look forward to.
"Our annual State of our Region is an opportunity for our community to come together and reflect on the year that is past."
State of our Region will be streamed on Council's Facebook page on December 8, 9am and available to watch anytime from council's website at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/stateofourregion.
The recording will also be available to watch at council libraries.
"From the outset of this pandemic, our council has had a single and unwavering priority to safeguard the interests and wellbeing of our community in everything we do - and in ways not hitherto thought possible," Mayor Jamieson said.
"The health response has involved all tiers of government.
"But much of what needed to occur on the ground to keep our community safe fell to our council – indeed all councils – to implement.
"Through our collective efforts, our council has continued to service the needs of our community and supported local business and industry to keep money circulating in the region and keep people employed – all the while, helping each other to adjust to the new 'COVID normal'.
Mayor Jamieson said the number of people who had shone brightly through the course of the year, despite the challenges, are worthy of recognition.
Join the conversation. Share your highlights and challenges from 2021, by using the social media hashtag #SunshineCoastSOR2021.
State of our Region details
Mark a spot in your calendar to join the free online community address via Sunshine Coast Council's Facebook page on December 8, 9am.
You can also watch from December 8, 9am at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/stateofourregion.
