Content
Students coordinate Walk for Daniel
Two University of the Sunshine Coast Business students are helping organise an annual event that raises child safety awareness for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
It is the third year that Tara Baty, 23, of Buddina, will coordinate the Walk for Daniel and the second year she has been assisted by Belinda Fallon, 21, of Kawana Island.
Tara said special guests at the event on Friday 29 October would include Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles players, Australia Zoo croc cruiser and Kahn the Tiger, Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot and Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson.
The USC students are drawing on skills that Tara is gaining in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management and Belinda is gaining in Marketing.
Both have volunteered their services, while Tara’s growing responsibilities with foundation activities will result in a paid position.
In its sixth year, the Walk for Daniel is part of the 2010 Day for Daniel, an annual child safety education and protection event that was established after the disappearance of the 13-year-old boy from the side of Nambour Connection Road at Woombye on 7 December 2003.
“We’re putting all our energy into this because of the strong commitment of Daniel’s parents Bruce and Denise Morcombe and their foundation to child safety awareness,” said Belinda, who moved to the Coast from Canberra three years ago.
“Daniel went missing seven years ago from under the Kiel Mountain Road overpass. We want to renew the message and keep the community involved.
“The foundation is not only about finding Daniel, it’s about promoting child protection and keeping children safe.”
The students started planning in April with the aim of increasing attendance at this year’s walk, which starts with a sausage sizzle fundraiser and VIP guests at 6.30am at Suncoast Christian College.
Walkers will leave the college grounds at 7am and finish at Kolora Park, Palmwoods. They are encouraged to wear red, the colour of Daniel’s T-shirt.
— Julie Gatehouse