Sunshine Coast Foodie and Sconetime founder Martin Duncan has been nominated for the title of ‘Australia’s Kindest Person’ and, if named the winner, has chosen STEPS Pathways Charity to receive the $25,000 charity donation.
Martin, who recently celebrated eight years of bringing people together through his Sconetime initiative, said he was “incredibly humbled and honoured” to be nominated for the award.
Martin has been a long-time supporter of STEPS Pathways Charity. He also regularly brings Sconetime volunteers to STEPS Café on George, our non-profit café that doubles as a hospitality training space for young people with a disability and autism through STEPS Pathways College.
Speaking about why he chose STEPS Pathways Charity to receive the winning donation, Martin said he deeply admires the organisation’s work.
“I admire and love what the team do,” Martin said. “It’s a beautiful thing. It’s lovely to see those students come through and have a chance of creating an independent life.”
Through Sconetime, Martin has dedicated himself to reducing loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older Australians, by hosting morning teas with free scones, jam and cream. This initiative was inspired by the story of a 96-year-old woman in Scotland named Georgina, who described her home as “a wee prison” after losing the people around her.
“Seniors need to be connected to their community for their mental health and wellbeing,” he said. “For me, food is the true people connector. Like, when you share a meal, you ask people about the food, where it comes from, why they love this recipe, or even if they can pass you a dish so you can fill your plate. To me, it’s very powerful.”
Those same values of inclusion and belonging are what connect Martin to STEPS Pathways Charity and its mission.
“STEPS Pathways Charity is dedicated to creating equal opportunities for people with a disability,” Martin said. “Donations go directly towards programs that support independence and brighter futures.”
STEPS congratulates Martin on his well-deserved nomination and thanks him for choosing STEPS Pathways Charity.
