‘Plop Lotto’ features as RangeCare celebrates 40 years making a difference
Clients, volunteers, employees and partners came together at Buderim Bowls Club on Wednesday (14 October) to celebrate 40 years of RangeCare supporting older people across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions.
What began in 1986 as a grassroots response to a local need has grown into a trusted not-for-profit provider of in-home aged care and community support. Today, RangeCare helps thousands of older people live safely and independently in the place they call home, while staying connected to the people and communities that matter to them.
RangeCare CEO Gary Holland said the anniversary was an opportunity to honour the organisation’s history and thank everyone who had contributed to its journey. “RangeCare began with local people responding to a local need. Forty years later, that same community spirit continues to guide the way we support older people to live independently and stay connected,” Mr Holland said. “RangeCare Day is our opportunity to thank the clients, families, volunteers, employees and partners who have shaped our story and to celebrate the difference they continue to make.”
Over four decades, RangeCare has expanded its services in response to changing community needs. Its support now includes in-home care, wellness and social programs, transport, domestic assistance, personal care and allied health services designed to strengthen wellbeing and independence.
While its services have evolved, RangeCare’s commitment to personalised, relationship-focused care has remained at the heart of its work.
The official program included speeches from RangeCare CEO Gary Holland, Acting Chairperson Hayley Holloway and Mayor Natoli, followed by the announcement of Glennis Barber as the Fond Memories winner and the cutting of the 40th anniversary cake. The celebration also featured stories from RangeCare’s history, recognition of the people who had contributed to its journey, and opportunities for clients, volunteers, employees and community partners to reconnect.
Guests were also welcomed to Plop Lotto, RangeCare’s special charitable fundraising raffle with a fun country twist. Two lucky winners were drawn before a two-legged friend revealed the result in true Plop Lotto style.
The activity also has a special place in RangeCare’s history. Fond Memories winner Glennis Barber recalled that, in the early 2000s, Blackall Range Care Group, now RangeCare, held an annual fete to raise money for the daily respite centre. Its main attraction was Plop Lotto, featuring 100 numbered squares marked outside the main building. Local Witta farmers Mal and Margaret Thompson fenced the area and supplied the bullock, while the crowd gathered to await the all-important plop.
About RangeCare
RangeCare is a not-for-profit organisation supporting older Australians across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions. Since 1986, RangeCare has provided personalised in-home care, wellness programs and community support services that empower people to maintain their independence, wellbeing and connection to community.
