Sunshine Coast Airport supports Pacific Paradise School students

Sunshine Coast Airport has thrown its support behind the Maroochy North Shore Community with a three year commitment to ensure Pacific Paradise State School chaplain Brad Twining can continue his important pastoral work with students.

Chairman of the Pacific Paradise State School Chaplaincy committee, Reverend Angelo Giovas said he was thrilled with the Airport’s commitment to support Brad’s work which is now in its third year at the school.

“The Sunshine Coast Airport has contributed to the stability of this program and helps ensure we have the necessary resources to fund this vital work. It is also really pleasing from my point of view that the Airport has captured the vision of what the program is about and the benefits it provides students, staff and parents as well as the broader community.

“Young people today are asking all sorts of questions and facing concerns unlike any other generation. Children are exposed to all sorts of negative experiences like broken family relationships; bullying; trauma such as death or suicide of a friend or family member; neglect; interpersonal problems at school; teenage pregnancy; child and sexual abuse; and peer pressure in relation to drug use, alcohol and sex.

“Chaplains provide much needed pastoral care, mentoring and support to young people, parents and teaching staff in a non-discriminatory manner,” Reverend Giovas said.

Sunshine Coast Airport General Manager Peter Pallot said it was important that local businesses supported programs such as the school’s chaplaincy program.

“School Chaplains perform a unique function in the community. The mentoring, pastoral care and support that Brad provides within Pacific Paradise School provides students with a positive and encouraging support mechanism.

“We believe our support will contribute to the development and building of a generation of well-balanced young people who can contribute significantly and positively to our whole community,” Mr Pallot said.

Reverend Giovas said the chaplaincy program is funded by churches, individuals, businesses, and organisations within the local area, and more recently through the Federal Government.

“To have a Chaplain work with the school’s existing support staff has been seen by the Federal Government, Education Queensland and Pacific Paradise State School as valuable for the health and well-being of the school community,” he said.

Any individuals or local businesses interested in providing financial or volunteer support should contact Reverend Angelo Giovas (0412 505 404) or Chaplain Brad Twining (0407 767 854)