News

All eyes are on the Sunshine Coast Lightning players when they’re on the netball court, but earlier in the month their beloved furbabies stole the limelight at a special celebration in AVID Property Group’s (AVID) Palmview community, Harmony, on Sunday 10 July.

Belle and Poppy joined their owners, Sunshine Coast Lightning players Laura Scherian, Reilley Batcheldor, and Annie Miller, and more than 250 residents and pets to celebrate six years of partnership between the premiership winning netball team and AVID.

The Paws in the Park event with the Sunshine Coast Lightning, hosted by Harmony, brought residents and the wider Sunshine Coast community together for a morning of free dog training tips, treats, plenty of exercise and family fun in Harmony’s dog park.

AVID General Manager Queensland Bruce Harper said a community park should be a place everyone can enjoy, including much-loved pets.

“Having only opened the dog park in Harmony earlier this year, the event was a great opportunity for the neighbourhood to come together to spend quality time outdoors with their four-legged friends,” Mr Harper said.

“We all know how important our pets are and the value they bring to a community, that’s why we’re always pleased to see new residents join our communities – humans and animals alike!”

Sunshine Coast Lightning CEO Danielle Smith said pets brought great joy to people’s lives and were

a source of loyalty and happiness off the court for many of the players.

‘’Pets have amazing calming powers and, like our Members and fans, are incredibly loyal, so it was

fantastic to see so many familiar faces in attendance,” she said.

Ms Smith said Lightning valued its ongoing partnership with AVID and was pleased to join the AVID

Harmony community to celebrate the event.

‘’Our team recognises the incredible level of local support we receive, and we strive at every game to

make our local community and those who support us proud,’’ she said.

Mr Harper said Harmony’s relationship with the Sunshine Coast Lightning extended well beyond the court, with two team players building their dream homes in Harmony.

“With Lightning’s home court at the University of the Sunshine Coast just around the corner from the Harmony community, we’re thrilled to continue to support the team as they progress from strength to strength,’’ he said.

The Paws in the Park event with the Sunshine Coast Lightning, brought together a range of local businesses, including Ollie’s Pet Treats, which is run by a local Harmony resident, and free dog obedience tips and advice from Australia’s 2021 Best Dog Training and Behaviour Business, Paws, Claws & Tails.

Palmview State School P&C were also on hand to cook up a storm of bacon and egg rolls and sausages. The event was sponsored by Lightning partners Pet Stock, Hot 91.1FM and Sunshine Coast Council Pet Awareness who were on hand to discuss responsible pet ownership.