At Broadwater, we believe a holiday should be about more than just a place to stay.
While creating memorable guest experiences is at the heart of what we do, we are equally passionate about making a positive impact in our community and caring for the environment.
Through a range of charitable partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and community fundraising events, we work alongside our guests, team members, and local organisations to support causes that matter. From donating container refunds and encouraging blood donations to reducing food waste and raising funds for important charities, these programs allow us to contribute to something bigger than ourselves.
We're proud of the difference these initiatives make, and even prouder of the incredible support we receive from our guests and team. All of these initiatives have a close importance to our team, from direct impacts to the management team Brooke and Matt, to the broader impacts we all see happening in our day to day lives..
Here's a closer look at the programs and partnerships helping us create a positive impact beyond the park:
Containers For Change - $41K Raised for Leukemia Foundation
Since introducing the Containers for Change program at Broadwater in 2021, we have proudly donated more than $43,977 to the Leukaemia Foundation (as of 1 July 2026).
What started with our team personally transporting containers to local refund points has grown into a seamless recycling program through our partnership with Express Recycling Carrara, who collect and replace our recycling bins each week. Together with our guests and team, we have diverted more than 439,770 cans, bottles and cartons from landfill, giving these items a second life through recycling.
While many people participate in Containers for Change as a way to generate additional income, we see it as an opportunity to be part of something bigger. Every 10-cent refund collected through the program is donated directly to the Leukaemia Foundation, a cause that holds a very special place in our hearts.
In 2002, Paul Turner, one of Broadwater's Contract Managers and Brooke's father, was living in Gladstone with his wife and four young children, all under the age of five. What began as a visit to the doctor after feeling unwell quickly became life-changing news. Following blood tests, Paul was diagnosed with Leukaemia at just 31 years of age.
Initially given a very poor prognosis of 2 weeks to live, Paul was urgently flown to Brisbane to begin intensive treatment and chemotherapy. What followed was a long and challenging journey for both Paul and his family.
During this time, the Leukaemia Foundation provided invaluable support. The Foundation helped the family secure accommodation close to the hospital, assisted with transportation, and offered practical, emotional and financial support throughout treatment. This assistance allowed Paul's family to remain together during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Today, more than 24 years later, Paul is blood cancer free and remains a familiar face around Broadwater Tourist Park. His story is a constant reminder of the life-changing work the Leukaemia Foundation performs every day and why our Containers for Change program means so much to our team.
Every container donated by our guests and team contributes to that mission, helping provide support, accommodation and hope to Australian families facing blood cancer.
Broadwater Blood Buddies
In partnership with Lifeblood, our Broadwater Blood Buddies program encourages team members, guests, and the wider community to become regular blood donors and help save lives.
Like many families, our team has experienced firsthand how important donated blood can be. Whether it's for major surgeries, emergency treatment, cancer care, or ongoing medical conditions, blood donations play a vital role in supporting patients when they need it most. With blood and plasma always in demand, we saw an opportunity to use our platform as a community-focused holiday park to encourage more people to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.
Broadwater Blood Buddies is about creating a community of donors who understand that a simple donation can have a life-changing impact. Through awareness, education, and leading by example, our team proudly participates in regular donation appointments and encourages guests to join us in supporting this important cause.
Since inception in June 2025, our managers, team members, and guests have contributed 29 donations, helping save 87 lives. While these numbers are something we're proud of, the real impact is knowing that each donation has the potential to provide hope and critical care to someone in need.
Every donation matters, and together we're helping ensure lifesaving blood products are available for patients and families across Australia.
OZ Harvest Food Drive
We proudly support OzHarvest through our ongoing food donation program, making it easy for guests and team members to contribute to those doing it tough in our community.
A dedicated donation box located in Reception provides a convenient way for guests and staff to donate non-perishable food items during their stay or workday. While a single item may seem small, together these contributions can make a meaningful difference to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Since launching the initiative, we have facilitated three OzHarvest donation collections, with more than 50 kilograms of food donated to help support people in need. Every item collected is redirected to those who can benefit from it most, helping reduce food waste while providing practical assistance within our community.
The success of this program is a reflection of the generosity of our guests and team, who continue to embrace opportunities to give back. Through our partnership with OzHarvest, we're proud to play a small part in ensuring good food reaches people, not landfill.
Happy Hour Fundraisers for Dementia Australia
Our Happy Hour Fundraisers have become a much-loved tradition at Broadwater, bringing guests and team members together for an afternoon of connection, laughter, and giving back to an important cause.
Throughout the year, we host fundraising Happy Hours where guests can come together over shared nibbles, great company, and a fun raffle. Our raffles are always a highlight, featuring some of everyone's favourite prizes including meat trays, vouchers, wine, chocolates, and other donated goodies that create plenty of excitement and friendly competition among our community.
Beyond the fun and social atmosphere, these afternoons have a very important purpose. Each Happy Hour fundraiser raises between $300 and $500, with every dollar donated directly to Dementia Australia, supporting vital research, education, advocacy, and services for people living with dementia and their families. over the last 2 years we have raised over $2,000 to Dementia Australia.
Dementia Australia is a cause that holds a very special place within the Broadwater family. Park Manager Matt experienced the impact of dementia firsthand, with his father losing his long battle with the disease in 2021. This personal connection has strengthened our commitment to supporting the search for better treatments, increased awareness, and ultimately, a cure.
We know dementia affects many Australian families, and through these fundraising events, we hope to play our part in supporting those currently facing the challenges of this disease. What makes these afternoons so special is seeing our guests and team come together, not only to enjoy each other's company but to contribute to something meaningful.
Every raffle ticket purchased and every donation made helps us continue to support Dementia Australia and the important work they do for individuals, families, and communities across the country.
Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea
Each year during winter, Broadwater proudly hosts our own Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, bringing our guests and team together for a special morning dedicated to connection, community, and supporting an important cause.
This event is a huge team effort, with our management team preparing and catering for up to 100 guests to enjoy a delicious morning tea experience. The morning is made even more memorable with live music from a local musician, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy great company while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Guests are invited to attend with a donation that contributes directly to the Cancer Council, with additional fundraising opportunities throughout the morning including multi-draw raffles, number boards, and a lucky door prize. These activities add plenty of fun and excitement while helping to increase the impact of the event.
Each year, our Biggest Morning Tea continues to grow, raising more than $2,500 through attendance donations, raffles, and additional fundraising efforts. Every dollar raised helps support Cancer Council's important work in cancer research, prevention, advocacy, and support services for Australians and their families affected by cancer.
For many of our guests, team and community Cancer will impact us or someone we know, love and care about once during our life, every dollar raised helps! This morning is more than just a morning tea — it is a chance to come together as a community, share stories, enjoy each other's company, and make a meaningful contribution towards a cause that touches so many lives.
Pink Ribbon Pancake Breakfast
Each year in October, Broadwater transforms our regular complimentary Pancake Breakfast into a special fundraising event for the National Breast Cancer Foundation as part of our commitment to supporting breast cancer awareness, research, and support.
For this one special morning, guests are invited to enjoy their favourite pancake breakfast with a simple gold coin donation. It is a small gesture that allows everyone to be involved and contribute to an important cause, while still enjoying the delicious breakfast experience they know and love.
This event holds a very special meaning for our Broadwater community, particularly for the many women who have been impacted by breast cancer and for our Contract Manager, Kim, who has personally experienced her own breast cancer journey. Her strength and resilience serve as an inspiration and remind us why supporting breast cancer research and awareness is so important.
Our guests are always thrilled to be part of this meaningful morning, with many happily making a donation and sharing their support. Together, through a simple pancake breakfast, we are able to raise awareness, show support, and contribute towards the ongoing work to improve outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.
It is a wonderful example of how small acts of kindness, when combined as a community, can make a meaningful difference.
Making a Difference Together
The success of these initiatives would not be possible without the incredible support of our team and guests. Their generosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to get involved are what truly bring these programs to life and allow us to make a meaningful impact beyond the boundaries of Broadwater.
From recycling containers to support the Leukaemia Foundation, donating food to those in need, giving blood to help save lives, and coming together for fundraising events, every contribution plays an important part in creating positive change within our community.
The collective impact of these efforts is something we are incredibly proud of and was recognised when Broadwater was awarded the 2025 Good Corporate Citizen Award at the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Awards.
This recognition belongs to our entire Broadwater community... Our dedicated team, our generous guests, and the many organisations we proudly support. We are grateful to be part of something bigger and remain committed to continuing these initiatives, finding new ways to give back, and creating a positive impact for years to come.
Posted: July 16th 2026
