St Peter’s, Maroochydore community features in Council video series
Justice & Advocacy
“St Peter’s, Maroochydore recently participated in a video series showcasing the work of different people and organisations involved in the Sunshine Coast biosphere project. In our video, we shared our story about how we partner with OzHarvest to provide food and support and reduce food waste through our weekly community meal,” says The Rev’d Tania Eichler
Did you know that the Sunshine Coast is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? This means that our region is recognised as a special place where people and nature coexist in harmony. It also means that we have a God-given responsibility to protect and enhance our shared natural and cultural heritage.
Earlier this year, St Peter’s parishioners Marie Flegler (Pastoral Care Team Coordinator), Jenny Tudman (Community Meal Coordinator) and Lance Tremlett and Gwen Tremlett (Community Meal Team Leaders) joined with local representatives from OzHarvest, a food rescue organisation, to celebrate the launch of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere at the Sunshine Coast Council chambers.
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere was designated in June 2022, and is internationally recognised as a member of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
While a Biosphere Reserve is non-statutory, we all have a God-given responsibility to be stewards of God’s good creation by helping to create a legacy for our children and grandchildren.
The launch event was a great morning of interaction and connection. We met other people who are passionate about the biosphere and learned from their experiences and perspectives. We were inspired and challenged by the videos and speakers, who encouraged us to take action and make a difference.
OzHarvest is one of the many groups working to make our biosphere community stronger and more sustainable. They collect surplus food from local businesses and deliver it to churches, charities and schools that feed people in need.
At the launch event we also shared about our Christian faith and how it motivates us to care for God’s creation and God’s people. We see the biosphere as a gift from God and a reflection of God’s glory. We see our role in the biosphere as servants and caretakers, seeking to safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain and renew the life of the earth.
This is one of the Marks of Mission of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, part of our mission as followers of Jesus. We want to be good stewards of the resources and opportunities that God has given us.
St Peter’s, Maroochydore recently participated in a video series showcasing the work of different people and organisations involved in the Sunshine Coast biosphere project. In our video, we shared our story about how we partner with OzHarvest to provide food and support and reduce food waste through our weekly community meal.
You can watch the short video showing how our parish is working with OzHarvest to simultaneously improve food security and feed hungry folk on the Sunshine Coast Council YouTube channel. The video features Jenny Tudman; Gwen Tremlett; Community Meal team members June Pirrett, Narelle Munro, Mary Norris and Jo McKemmish; and, some of our community meal friends.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the St Peter’s, Maroochydore community members who are so committed to being caretakers of God’s creation and caring for nutritionally vulnerable locals, and to our community partners, OzHarvest.
Editor’s note: The ACSQ’s first Sustainability Roadmap was launched last year. The Sustainability Roadmap lays out a framework for the different parts of our Diocesan community to formalise Sustainability Action Plans in a staged rollout.
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