Recent Projects

Memorabilia relevant to Eric Joseph Foote’s service and information about Eric was displayed in a rotunda in the picnic area, however it was difficult for visitors to see. Following discussions with Council staff it was decided that the best way to tell the Eric Foote story was on a noticeboard/shelter similar to the structure in the car park. Following consultation with council staff and local political representatives, a site for the display was selected in the picnic area that would ensure maximum public exposure.

Funding for purchase of the shelter/noticeboard was provided by the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund and Foote Sanctuary volunteers completed the work in 2019 which included replanting and landscaping the surrounding area. A local graphic artist assisted with the design of a display panel that tells the story of Eric Joseph Foote. The other side of the board provides information on the history of the Sanctuary and a map.

Work on the display board was completed in time for the 2019 Remembrance Day service which was attended by over 150 local residents and schoolchildren. Members of the Foote Sanctuary Association would like to thank the staff of Landmark Products for their advice and support in the procurement and delivery of the shelter. Buderim now has a great facility that complements the living memorial to Eric Joseph Foote and other people from Buderim who served in our armed forces.

In the early days of the Foote Sanctuary Association it was difficult to source seedlings of local rainforest species and two significant species planted were Queensland Maple and Candlenut, which are endemic to North Queensland. The original planted trees grew well and regenerated well, outcompeting regeneration of local species. One of the aims of the Foote Sanctuary Association has been to re-establish vegetation as close as possible to the ecosystems which originally grew on the site.

The executive of the Association convinced the Sunshine Coast Council that the exotic species such as the Queensland Maple and Candlenut should be removed and replaced with local rainforest species. Work began in 2017 to remove about forty large trees and was completed in 2018. Some of the logs were sold to a local saw miller and after processing were used by Australian guitar manufacturers.

The disturbed areas were then replanted by Foote Sanctuary volunteers. With some nurturing, which included watering and weed control, these areas are now fully covered in young trees.