A time capsule buried in 2000 has offered a vivid glimpse into Sunshine Coast life at the turn of the millennium, alongside aspirations for the region’s future. Unearthed near the Landmark Resort on Mooloolaba Esplanade on January 2, 2025, it contained letters, photos, tourism brochures, and memorabilia, including a bottle of Tyrell’s port and a Sunshine Coast Daily from December 31, 1999.
Former Maroochy Shire Mayor Don Culley, who buried the capsule with developer Graeme Juniper, expressed hopes in his letter that the region’s natural charm would be preserved. “The Coast’s environment is our single greatest resource,” he wrote, calling for conservation of fragile areas and a healthy ocean. Now 95, Mr. Culley attended the capsule’s opening, celebrating the strides made in conservation through initiatives like the council’s Environment Levy program.
Mr. Juniper, now 78, predicted Mooloolaba’s rise as a premier tourist destination. “It will be interesting to see whether these buildings stand the test of time,” he wrote, referencing iconic developments such as Landmark and Zanzibar.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli praised the capsule’s unveiling as a chance to reflect on the region’s growth. “It’s amazing to see what’s changed since 2000 and vital to learn from the past as we shape the next 25 years,” she said.
