OUR STORY
How we’ve raised funds for this association
Building a stronger Eumundi, together.
EDCA is a passionate volunteer organisation, proudly investing over $3 million to uplift Eumundi’s people, strengthen its community, and create a brighter future for all.
In the early 1990’s: Passionate Beginnings
EDCA was a small association with limited funds but boundless passion.
Its members were deeply dedicated to volunteering for the town of Eumundi.
One standout was the late Ron Anderson, a long-time EDCA member who tirelessly mowed Dick Caplick Park every week and handled countless small tasks for the town he loved.
The start of the Wednesday Market
In 1992, Louis and Janet Formosa launched the Eumundi Parkside Market and soon became active members of EDCA. Seeing an opportunity to raise funds for the community, they championed the idea of a Wednesday market on the Terraces, an area owned by the Sunshine Coast Council.
With their support, EDCA secured approval to operate the market, and Louis and Janet volunteered as managers. Every dollar of rent collected from stallholders was channelled back into EDCA to benefit Eumundi.
A Legacy of Dedication
From 1998 to today, a small team of volunteers has continued this work, managing EDCA’s Wednesday markets with incredible commitment.
The task is immense—organising the placement of over 200 stallholders each week, year-round. It requires patience, organisation, and adaptability, as no two weeks are the same.
Market preparation starts on Tuesdays, with the terraces being cleaned and readied.
By 3am on Wednesdays, the volunteers are up, setting up stalls, greeting stallholders, and handling challenges like power outages, severe weather, rent collection, and rubbish management.
After a busy day, they manage bump-out, pack down, and ensure the site is spotless for the next week
The Demands of Market Day
The Faces Behind the Effort
This incredible work has been carried out for years by Jenny Formosa, James and Lainie Adams, as well as Louis and the late Janet Formosa and Ann Bowles (‘Bobby’) before them.
Their dedication exemplifies the volunteer spirit that defines EDCA.
Funds That Transform the Community
All rents from the markets are reinvested into the town. They pay for essential costs like lease payments and insurance while funding local projects such as upgrades to the Eumundi Scout Hall.
These contributions ensure the long-term success and vibrancy of Eumundi.
The work of these volunteers is nothing short of extraordinary, and their commitment deserves the highest recognition.
Their efforts have not only sustained the markets but have profoundly enriched the Eumundi community.
Well done, team!
Love Letters From Our Community
“We are deeply grateful for EDCA’s commitment to wildlife welfare, which empowers us to continue our mission of protecting and rehabilitating Queensland’s precious native species. Thank you, EDCA, for making a profound difference!”
- RSPCA Qld
“Through their support, we have successfully launched multiple community events that have driven positive change, allowing us to spread our charity’s purpose and raise awareness about mental health.”
- The Journeymen