A Morning of Connection in Maleny
On Friday 8 May, as we headed into the Mother’s Day weekend, we hosted a very special morning tea in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast. Bringing together members of our donor community, Endeavour Lotteries prize home winners, families, people we support, valued supporters, and local business partners, the event was a heartfelt celebration of connection and community.
Honouring a Powerful Legacy
The gathering offered a meaningful moment to reflect on the Queensland mothers whose advocacy 75 years ago sparked a movement—one that helped shape the Endeavour Foundation we know today. Their determination and compassion continue to inspire the work we do and the inclusive communities we build together.
A Stunning Setting for a Special Occasion
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of our upcoming Lotteries 75th Anniversary Prize Home, the morning welcomed 60 guests who enjoyed perfect weather and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Guests were treated to an exclusive preview of the home, while hearing from CEO Andrew Chesterman and Head of Philanthropy Sharon Wood.
Both speakers shared a powerful reminder: when people with disability are given equitable opportunities, they don’t just thrive—they enrich and strengthen the communities around them.
Celebrating Inclusion and Shared Moments
A highlight of the morning was welcoming Kenneth, Fred, Mary-Anne and Bernadette—residents from a couple of our supported accommodation homes—alongside their dedicated support teams. Sharing the event together was a genuine reflection of inclusion in action and a reminder of the importance of creating spaces where everyone belongs.
A Feast for the Senses
Guests were treated to a beautifully presented morning tea that was as delicious as it was visually stunning. The grazing table featured an abundant selection of Maleny Cheese, cured meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, and crackers—thoughtfully curated and enjoyed by all.
Our catering partner, Good 2 Eat, worked closely with us from the earliest planning stages to bring this vision to life. Their collaboration with Maleny Cheese resulted in a bespoke water buffalo fetta dip that quickly became a guest favourite.
Anne, one of our attendees, captured the spirit of the day perfectly:
“The home is just superb. I’ve already bought tickets. Please thank all your staff who were so welcoming. Your morning tea was just so beautifully presented and delicious. In all, a very enjoyable day. Endeavour Foundation does such wonderful work.”
Community Partnerships in Action
The morning was made even more special thanks to the generosity and collaboration of our business partners. T2 Tea, a valued commercial partner supporting our sites in Victoria, generously provided all the tea for the event and gifted each guest with a T2 Tea take-home. Vallee & Bowe Coffee kept everyone energised with their ever-popular barista cart, creating a welcoming hub for connection throughout the morning.
We are incredibly grateful to the businesses who helped bring this event to life through their in-kind support: Good 2 Eat Catering, Maleny Cheese, Perry’s Sunshine Coast Event Hire, Vallee & Bowe Coffee, Vintage Whimsy, T2 Tea, and Stephen Henry Photography. Through this event, we not only strengthened existing partnerships but also formed new local connections who now join us in empowering people with disability to thrive.
The Power of Coming Together
Events like this highlight the true power of connection. Bringing together supporters, advocates, partners, and the people we support creates something truly meaningful—shared stories, genuine conversations, and a collective passion for our purpose.
