Challenge puts fun back into fundraising

Published 9:03am 17 September 2025

Words by Kylie Knight

Fundraising for the 2025 Ausbuild Community Challenge has kicked off, with prizes worth more than $25,000 up for grabs through an online raffle and silent auction.

Twenty community teams, each partnered with a corporate team, have now moved into the fundraising phase of the challenge.

Local businesses have donated a variety of items to boost the prize pool, which already includes $50,000 added by Ausbuild.

Every dollar raised through raffle ticket sales and silent auction bids will contribute to the collective prize pool, which will be distributed to community organisations based on their team’s performance during Challenge Afternoon and pre-event activities.

“At Ausbuild, we’re not just building homes, we’re helping to build strong, connected communities,” says Matthew Bell, Ausbuild’s Joint Managing Director.

“We’re proud to kick off the fundraising with a $50,000 boost, but now we’re looking for the community to rally behind the teams and help us raise even more.”

Locals can get involved by buying raffle tickets or bidding in the silent auction.

The raffle features more than 30 prizes, including gift vouchers, a new bike, back-to-school packs, sports equipment, family entertainment passes and hampers filled with goodies. Tickets cost $20 for one, $50 for three, or $100 for eight.

The silent auction also offers something for everyone, with standout prizes such a luxury women’s jewellery set, a men’s watch, cyber security packs for businesses, half-day photography experiences and signed jerseys from the Dolphins and Warriors, along with memorabilia from leading soccer and cricket stars.

Bidding is now open, with new items continuing to be added.

It is hoped the initiative will raise $100,000, or more, with final allocations determined at the Challenge Afternoon finale on October 24, 2025.

Organised by Moreton Daily, the challenge forms part of a broader commitment to give back to the community, while showcasing the positive impact made by grassroots organisations every day.

Moreton Daily CEO Shane Newcombe said: “Prize money will be distributed based on final rankings, with bonus points available through fun pre-event challenges.

“This is all about local people helping local people - we’re proud to be bringing it back with Ausbuild’s support.”

Moreton Daily caught up with representatives from four community groups who will be taking part in the Ausbuild Community Challenge who can’t wait for the event.

Chameleon Housing Manager Nicki Kemp says: “It’s a great way to connect with other organisations but also fundraise in a fun way ... and team building. It does put the fun back into fundraising.

“We were involved in it many years ago, when it was called something else, and it was a great day. There was a lot of competitiveness within the team as well ... so we are expecting the same attributes to come back out.

“The team’s looking at how they can best dress up for the day. They’re all very excited.”

This Story Australia CEO Jeff Hughes says: “I think it’s a really good opportunity to get This Story Australia noticed within the Moreton Bay community. We do a lot of work interstate and internationally but we’d love to involve many more members of the (local) community in what we do”.

Tribe Social Belonging Founder Ryan Elson says: “I think it’s a pretty cool way to interact with the business community and to look at getting some grants for the projects we’ve got. I think it’s cooler than a letter ... getting to go and compete. That collaboration is such an important part of what we do”.

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital representative Rhonda Neal says: “We have a very strong foundation in Redcliffe, and we’re excited to be able to do some fun things as well and connect with the community a little bit more”.

Raffle tickets and silent auction bidding are open now, with fundraising closing on October 24.

For more information, visit https://app.galabid.com/communitychallenge