Foote Sanctuary (Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Sanctuary)

In 1948 Arnold and Hubert Foote gave about 17.5 acres of land to the Buderim Community Centre for the formation of a park that would commemorate the loyalty and sacrifice of the men of Buderim who lost their lives in the First and Second World War. This land was surveyed and named the Eric Joseph Park, in memory of their brother who was killed in the First World War. The community centre asked the Maroochy Shire Council to take over the trusteeship and it agreed to do so. After approval of both the community centre and the Shire Council, the draft was forwarded to the Titles Office in April 1949. At this time there was no access road and when the council was asked to provide this they refused on the grounds there were no funds available and there were more urgent works to be done. There was very little development done and soon the park became overgrown with noxious weeks. In 1958 the council considered selling the land which by now had been offered to the Buderim Garden Club. The club rejected the offer as it had no funds to do any development and also suggested to the council that access be made via Grant Street. A deputation of members of the community were assured that the land wouldn't be sold. In October 1963 a meeting was held at the home of Dr. Hugh Kirkland Shaw for the purpose of forming a committee. When this was done it was decided to affiliate with the Buderim War Memorial Community Centre and also change the word 'Park' to 'Sanctuary'. No officers were elected until April 1964 when Tom Simper became the first president. That year an officer from the Department of Forestry was invited to visit and give advice on developing the area, the place being so overgrown they had to enter from the south boundary. It was then Denis Eggholme who was engaged to cut a walking track from Fountain Road. In January 1965 the council gave 50 pounds for provision of access and a small dozer widened the track to what is now the car park. It then went on to the picnic area and the spring. There was so much rubbish growing, there was no hope of tree planting so working bees were formed to do clearing. The workers were asked to bring their own tools and ladies were only too happy to join in. The first tree planting was in 1966 under the supervision of Mr L Higins, Mr J Milligan, George Eggmolesse and Mrs Shaw. Later that year a fire swept through a third of the area and showed the necessity of fire breaks. Finally the council made $500 available to do this. These breaks now serve as walking tracks and as more clearing was done, tracks were made through other areas. George Eggmolesse produced the first map of the boundaries and tracks. In 1966, tree planting was well established with only indigenous varieties being used. At first they had to be watered by hand from drums, but after it was reticulated, the council provided extensions to reach the parking and picnic areas so long hoses could be used. The picnic area became a barbeque site when a fireplace was built and tables and seats constructed. In 1971 it was so popular that the council was asked to provide toilets, so two years later toilets were added. As Buderim became a residential area, many retired folk made it their home and gave generous financial donations to the Eric Joseph War Memorial Sanctuary Committee. Membership, at a cost of 2 shillings per annum, rose to almost 80. In 1974 it was more than 100. That year a dinner held at Buderim Mountain Motel was very successful and established the committee as on of the leading organisations in Buderim. Today it is the Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Sanctuary, a place of coolness and quietness for folks to meet, wander along bush tracks and enjoy the surroundings. Date named: 10 January 1963