Daniel Morcombe Foundation launches home auction project to protect kids

Brooke Bastien and Denise Morcombe do the honours at the Maleny site.

The memory of Daniel Morcombe was honoured in Maleny this week with the launch of a new project set to help protect children and support abuse survivors on the Sunshine Coast and beyond.

Bruce and Denise Morcombe turned the first sod on the Build It for the Kids home auction initiative at The Enclave, surrounded by nearly 100 supporters, tradespeople and dignitaries. The project will see a quality four-bedroom home built and auctioned mid-next year, with all profits going to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

Mr Morcombe thanked the community for its unwavering support over the two decades since their son’s abduction and murder in 2003.

“Thank you for never forgetting Daniel,” he said. “Time after time, when we’ve asked for help, we are truly staggered by the number of people who say, ‘I’m in’. Your belief in the foundation’s efforts to keep kids safe is something we never take for granted.”

The Murphy Group has taken the lead role in the project, with managing director Mark Berry, director Brooke Bastian and founding director Lee Murphy praised for their commitment. RM Developments and numerous local trades have also pledged time and resources.

Mrs Morcombe reflected on the journey since the foundation’s launch at Horton Park Golf Club 20 years ago.

“We recognised the public’s thirst for information during the search for Daniel was a gift,” she said. “We wanted to turn our painful experience into something positive and make sure Daniel’s story protects other children.”

The foundation’s work has grown into a national leader in child protection, with its annual Day for Daniel now expected to engage over two million Australians this year. Three new child safety resources will also launch on October 31.

Mrs Morcombe highlighted how Daniel’s legacy has helped shift Australia’s culture of disclosure.

“Thankfully, it is now totally unacceptable to blame victims,” she said. “Perpetrators can no longer hide behind silence — after 20 years, we all get it: it’s not a child’s fault.”

Funds from the home auction will expand free resources and directly support local children who have suffered abuse.

“In a few weeks we’ll attend a program for foster kids transitioning to independent living,” Mrs Morcombe said. “When given the chance, these kids break the cycle and contribute to society. It’s life-changing.”

Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie praised the Morcombes’ advocacy, noting the recent passing of Daniel’s Law, which establishes the state’s first public child sex offender register.

“Every parent deserves the information they need to keep their children safe,” he said.

Federal MP Andrew Wallace commended the couple’s resilience.

“Most people would shrink away in grief, but you stood for something and turned tragedy into nationwide protection for kids,” he said.