A month of community and collective generosity has raised thousands of dollars for four local charities, with The Star Gold Coast’s inaugural Community Month inviting guests to connect with the causes they care about most.
Throughout May, The Star Gold Coast transformed into a vibrant hub of community spirit, inviting locals and visitors to support the important work of Surf Life Saving Queensland, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, GIVIT, and RizeUp Australia through a heartwarming interactive campaign.
At the heart of the initiative were four immersive charity windows, which showcased the powerful stories and missions of each partner organisation. Guests who dined across The Star Gold Coast’s participating restaurants also received a donation token to support the cause closest to their heart, with each token representing a $1 contribution from The Star Gold Coast.
By the end of the month, thousands of tokens were collected, with every dollar raised donated directly to the charity partners to help continue their vital work, from protecting our native wildlife care and keeping our Queensland beaches safe, to supporting those impacted by domestic and family violence and delivering essential goods in the wake of natural disasters.
The Star Gold Coast General Manager, Ian Brown, said the month-long campaign had surpassed expectations in its ability to connect the community with meaningful causes.
“Community Month was about more than raising funds, it was about raising awareness, sparking conversations, and celebrating the incredible way in which these organisations contribute to our community every day,” Mr Brown said.
“We’re deeply thankful to our community, team members and charity partners for embracing this initiative and demonstrating what’s possible when we come together with a shared sense of purpose. Every token tells a story of our community choosing to support our beaches, our wildlife, families doing it tough, or those impacted by disasters.”
Each charity reflected on the power of awareness and community support. Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO, Dave Whimpey, said the initiative helped highlight the vital role volunteers play in keeping Queensland’s beaches safe.
“We were thrilled to be part of this unique activation. It promoted the work that Surf Life Saving Queensland do and gave well-deserved recognition to our volunteer lifesavers who are out there every day protecting the community,” Mr Whimpey said.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Head of Partnerships, Jason Thomas, said the support shown throughout Community Month would assist Currumbin Wildlife Hospital in providing vital care for wildlife in need.
“It’s partnerships like this that enable us to care for more than 16,000 sick, injured and orphaned wildlife patients each year. We’re grateful for the continued support of The Star Gold Coast and everyone who contributed,” Mr Thomas said.
GIVIT CEO, Chris Staines, said the campaign showed how impactful small and large contributions can be.
“This initiative makes giving simple. It allows people to feel directly involved in helping others, from those impacted by disasters like Tropical Cyclone Alfred to families who are doing it tough and in need of essential donations,” Mr Staines said.
RizeUp Australia CEO, Nicolle Edwards, said Community Month highlighted the power of collective kindness.
“The Star Gold Coast’s support is so much more than dollars—it’s hope, it’s dignity, it’s a warm bed and a safe place to land for those escaping violence. Community Month reminded us that when people care deeply, even the smallest gestures can help transform lives,” Ms Edwards said.
Beyond official partnerships, The Star Gold Coast also shone a spotlight on its own Community Legends, passionate team members who volunteer their time to causes ranging from surf life saving and emergency services to youth counselling and homelessness support. From coaching nippers and supporting Rosies outreach, to mentoring students through hospitality training at local schools, inspiring stories of service were shared internally to recognise the many ways individuals are making a meaningful difference beyond the workplace.
A special Family Fun Day held on Saturday 24 May brought together community partners, guests and team members to celebrate the month’s achievements and honour the everyday heroes behind each organisation. Offering an array of activities designed to engage all ages, guests were invited to enjoy free face painting, cookie decorating stations, pizza and sausage sizzle, and interactive displays from Surf Life Saving Queensland and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Wildlife on Wheels education team.
A total of $22,742 was donated as part of The Star Gold Coast’s inaugural Community Month initiative, supporting the work of Surf Life Saving Queensland, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, GIVIT, and RizeUp Australia and highlighting the resort’s ongoing commitment to the local community.
