The Business of Giving Back: It Takes a Village with Mervat Quirke & Julie Penlington

Beyond the Signboard with Amy Bennett

Two extraordinary leaders, one powerful conversation about turning personal tragedy into community transformation. This episode brings together Julie Penlington, President of 4 Paws Animal Rescue, and Mervat Quirke, General Manager of Bloomhill Cancer Care—two women whose personal journeys led them to pioneer life-changing community organisations on the Sunshine Coast.
Mervat's story begins with her husband's devastating brain tumour diagnosis while raising five children. When Bloomhill stepped in with volunteer drivers, meals, and crucial support, she witnessed firsthand the "corridor of support" she now champions professionally—where both those giving and receiving benefit equally from community connection. "It's not transactional, it's transformational," she explains, now leading an organisation that provides 800+ occasions of care monthly to 1,600 clients annually.
Julie's path to founding 4 Paws Animal Rescue evolved naturally from helping elderly pharmacy customers with their pets' medical needs. Twenty years later, her organisation has rescued and rehomed thousands of animals through dedicated volunteers. Her compassionate philosophy—"There, but for the grace of God, go I"—guides how she approaches each situation without judgment.
Both women demolish charity myths throughout our conversation. Despite significant community impact, neither receives ongoing government funding. They emphasize that sustainable charities require both purpose and profit—"Nobody will invest in a sinking ship," Mervat notes. Their volunteer retention rates are extraordinary—Bloomhill boasts 97% retention across 380 volunteers contributing 55,000 hours annually—because of deep "motivational alignment" with their causes.
What emerges is a master class in community-building. These organisations don't just provide services; they create the connected, compassionate community we all desire. As Mervat beautifully frames it, volunteers aren't merely performing charitable acts; they're practicing "active citizenship" by contributing to the community they wish to see.
Want to support these incredible organisations or learn about our McGrath Estate Agents Community Give Back program? Reach out today to discover how you can become part of this powerful community transformation.

Chapters

1. Meet Julie and Mervat: Community Champions (00:00:00)

2. Mervat's Journey: From Banking to Nonprofit (00:03:56)

3. Julie's Story: Sailing to Animal Rescue (00:10:17)

4. Inside Bloomhill Cancer Care's Impact (00:16:05)

5. Four Paws Animal Rescue's Mission (00:28:24)

6. The Importance of Sustainable Charity (00:35:04)

7. Personal Reflections and Life Outside Charity (00:39:15)

8. Final Thoughts: Community Without Judgment (00:45:12)