Mayor becomes a painter's apprentice

Mayor Mark Jamieson has swapped policy making for a paint brush to lend a hand to The House The Coast Built project.

Under construction at Sippy Downs for Wishlist, the house is the Sunshine Coast's biggest charity project will be auctioned in February to raise funds for Nambour Hospital’s Diversional Therapy Program and SCKoping getaway camps.

Dulux has donated all of the paint for the house and the Trademark Painters team has signed on to complete the job – with the help of a local apprentice – who just happens to be the Mayor Jamieson.

"I know a bit more about board meetings than brush strokes, but I’m very excited about spending some time on site and having the privilege of being a part of The House The Coast Built in 2015," Cr Jamieson said.

"I’ve called the Sunshine Coast home since 2001 and it’s been inspiring to see this fundraising event grow and continue to be supported since the very first Wishlist House in 2003.

"This is a fundraising event like no other, and with the focus of this year’s home being local paediatric needs I’m happy to support a project that’s ensuring the health and happiness of the next generation of Sunshine Coast residents."

Zac De La Hay and his family know firsthand just how important the role of Wishlist is after their daughter Indianna was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in 2012.

"Indianna has just celebrated her 10th birthday and is a daily reminder of just how wonderful life can be," Mr De La Hay said.

"It seems impossible to believe that three years ago we were living a nightmare and now we’re somehow on the other side of it all."

Indianna spent more than 150 nights in hospitals at both Nambour and Brisbane, and had extensive therapy and surgeries to save her life.

The affected bone in her leg had to be removed and she was one of the first child cancer patients in Australia to receive a prosthetic femur that has the ability to grow with the child.

"It was such a harrowing time of our lives, but I have to say, with every month that passes the bad memories are fading for all of us and the types of things that we do remember are the kindness, support and services that were afforded to our family through the help of Wishlist," Mr De La Hay said.

"It means a lot to us that The House The Coast Built is all about paediatric needs this year and we hope that the Coast community gets behind the event."

Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said its stories like Indianna’s that served as a reminder of what The House The Coast Built is really about.

"Every single business that has come on board with the project this year can feel proud of themselves because their efforts will directly impact on the lives of local kids for the better – there’s really nothing more worthy!" Ms Rowe said.

Ausmar Homes is leading more than 60 local suppliers and contractors who are donating their time and resources to The House The Coast Built at no cost. The home will be fully furnished and auctioned off on February 14.