When an Easter charity event was first discussed with Miara Holiday Park’s permanent site holders, no-one imagined the incredible impact the weekend would have on the lives of children experiencing serious illness. 

Thanks to a long-term allegiance with the permanent residents, the charity Make A Wish was chosen as the beneficiary of the Easter weekend’s fundraising efforts. Within no time, Suzie Sims, Park Manager at Miara Holiday Park reached out to the Bundaberg Make a Wish volunteer branch.  

Suzie learned that the branch was struggling due to a loss of government funding, making it difficult to fulfill wishes for six local children with serious illnesses. This news strengthened the park and its residents’ resolve to make a meaningful difference. 

Beginning with a shoutout to all of the park’s permanent site holders for donations and contacts, a weekend full of activities, BBQ’s and raffles was organised. Many emails were sent to businesses to gain support for donations for the raffles and the fishing competition. 

There were many great prizes donated and together with contributions from the park’s Containers for Change refunds, the support was overwhelming with over 90 prizes on offer. These prizes, coupled with the 50/50 donation for the BBQ meat, set the weekend up for success.

As the guests started rolling in for Easter, excitement swept through the park. Guests eagerly looked forward to the festivities, with raffle ticket sales booming as everyone vied for the fantastic prizes. 

Suzie Sims, Park Manager was thrilled to be a part of the fun each afternoon when she welcomed guests to gather around the main office for the drawing of the raffles. Many laughs were shared and many new friendships were made as community spirit shone brightly.

 

“The kids also had a great time playing the pickleball and totem tennis that I had set up for them on our grassed area in front of our amenities. It was really lovely to see the interaction this created with many parents either joining in or just gathering to watch the kids. 

It just goes to show, a tourist park working together with the community and their permanent residents to achieve a collective goal can achieve wonderful things. I’m so pleased that these funds will be put to such good use, and we are already looking forward to an even bigger and better Easter charity event in 2026!” 

The fishing competition was also a huge success with 81 adults and 31 kids entering the competition.  The adult winner caught a massive 110cm Queenfish while the kid winner caught a 55cm Flathead. 

Make A Wish Bundaberg branch will use these funds to allow seriously ill children to experience the joy and hope of a wish journey.

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