UPDATE: A time capsule buried in 2000 has been reopened, capturing the aspirations of the Sunshine Coast for the year 2050. During a ceremonial event on December 2, 2025, Sunshine Coast Council officials, including Mayor Rosanna Natoli, added personal letters and various mementos, marking a significant moment for the region’s future.
As the Sunshine Coast evolves, this time capsule serves as a bridge between past dreams and future realities. Mayor Natoli, alongside former Maroochy Shire Council Mayor Don Culley and local business leader Graeme Juniper, gathered along Mooloolaba Esplanade to commemorate the event, which will be revisited in 2050.
The contents of the capsule include heartfelt letters expressing hopes for advancements in transportation, community growth, and environmental preservation. Among the items added were a tourism brochure, a surf club menu, a bottle of locally distilled gin, and a Seven Years to Go badge for the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mayor Natoli emphasized the importance of looking forward: “It’s vital to recognize how quickly our region is changing and evolving, and express our hopes and dreams,” she stated. She projects that the Sunshine Coast will have a population nearing 600,000 by 2050, urging that it remains a place residents are proud to call home.
In a nostalgic reflection, the original capsule held items representing life in 2000, including newspaper clippings and a bottle of Tyrell’s Toast to the Coast 2000 Fine Old Tawny Port. The reopening of the capsule not only highlights the region’s historical context but invites future generations to compare past aspirations with their reality.
Mayor Natoli expressed optimism about the future: “Hopefully, the Olympics delivered everything we had hoped for and more. Nambour is a bustling heart of the hinterland, and Maroochydore City Centre will be a vibrant hub,” she said. Her vision includes a world-class transport system and the preservation of the area’s natural beauty.
This event shines a spotlight on the Sunshine Coast’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The capsule’s reopening is a pivotal moment, emphasizing the importance of preserving history while looking forward to a promising future.
As the Sunshine Coast embarks on this journey towards 2050, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to reflect on the region’s transformation and contribute to its ongoing legacy. The time capsule will be re-buried, holding the hopes of today’s community until its next unveiling in 25 years.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Sunshine Coast’s journey towards 2050 as the community continues to evolve and thrive. Share your thoughts and hopes for the future using #SunshineCoast2050.
