Connection & community
Ash Gierke, a Sunshine Coast broadcaster and sports presenter shared her insights as a former competitive swimmer and how she approaches opportunities and challenges whilst navigating early starts and life with a young family.
Isobel (Izzi) Batt-Doyle a two-time Olympian and one of Australia’s leading distance runners gave us insight into what an elite runner’s day-to-day really looks like. We loved her motivational tip of goal setting, if we don’t hit the first one, don’t give up, make sure you have another, and another, to keep you going.
Congratulations Izzi, on smashing that goal and winning the McDonald’s Half Marathon on Sunday!
Brett Robinson, one of Australia’s most accomplished distance runners and an Olympian shared how mentors can pass on the baton whilst discussing breaking Castella’s 36-year Australian men’s marathon record. It was great to hear Brett’s resilience in overcoming physical and mental barriers.
Congratulations Brett, on winning the Eva Air Marathon!
your impact
A generous and supportive room of 80 guests raised $13,000 towards the RISE2 Foundation. From raffles to a virtual marathon, we witnessed some attendees’ competitive spirit come out – and had a lot of fun too! These funds will help support our families across 23 RISE2 homes, with a further 5 homes on the way by the end of 2026.
Guests also had the chance to hear Coast2Bay’s COO/Deptury CEO Vickey Meyer, interview our own RISE2 Tenancy Manager Sharon, who works directly with our local families.
Sharon’s words reflected the resilience of the women and children impacted by domestic and family violence. She shared how the support – from specialist service providers, a home and a welcoming community, can make a real difference in supporting these families to heal and start again.
Thank you
To Atlas Event’s EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon for brining RISE2 into the festival and making this event possible.
Our three guest speakers: Brett, Ash and Izzi for coming along and sharing their inspiring stories.
The Salvation Army – one of our key partners in supporting our RISE2 families
The Zonta Club of Caloundra for their continued support and generosity as a founding partner in the RISE2 journey.
The event committee Greg, Robyn, Pam and Dean – for their time and generous support in bringing this event together.
All our prize doners – for their generous donations.
Thanks to Alex Surf Club and all the staff here for helping make the day run so smoothly.
Everyone, whether you’re a business partner, a community supporter or guest of a friend. By attending and sharing the message of RISE2 Foundation you’re driving change and creating hope through providing housing for our women and children impacted by Domestic and Family Violence.
