A global child anti-trafficking charity founded on the Sunshine Coast has marked a major milestone.
Destiny Rescue is a Christian non-governmental organisation (NGO), which partners with authorities to rescue exploited children and deliver long-term recovery programs.
Since 2001, the NGO has rescued more than 25,000 children and vulnerable individuals from sexual exploitation and human trafficking across multiple countries.
Coinciding with the milestone, Destiny Rescue appointed Greg Bradley as its new chief executive officer, ushering in a new chapter for the internationally recognised charity.
Mr Bradley brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the not-for-profit and international development sectors, with a strong focus on vulnerable children and communities.
Since joining Destiny Rescue, he has spent time with frontline teams and visited rescue projects to gain first-hand insight into the organisation’s operations.
“Twenty-five years and 25,000 rescues represent extraordinary progress, but behind every number is a child whose life has been forever changed,” Mr Bradley said.
“While we pause to acknowledge this milestone, our focus remains firmly on the thousands more children who still need protection.
“Our commitment is to strengthen partnerships, expand awareness and mobilise more Australians to stand with us in the fight against child exploitation.”
What began as a grassroots mission to confront child trafficking has grown into a coordinated international operation working alongside law enforcement agencies, local authorities and community organisations to identify and rescue children trapped in exploitation.
The NGO also provides trauma-informed care, safe accommodation, counselling, education, vocational training and long-term reintegration support aimed at helping survivors rebuild independent and sustainable futures.
The organisation said Australians remained among those implicated in overseas exploitation and the spread of online child abuse material, underscoring the need for greater vigilance domestically as well as internationally.
As Destiny Rescue enters its next phase under new leadership, the organisation is calling on governments, businesses and individuals to deepen their support to combat child exploitation worldwide.
Sunshine Coast mortgage brokerage, Loanright Financial Services, was recently recognised nationally for raising significant funds for Destiny Rescue.
Loanright Mooloolaba directors Luke Meisenhelter and Brett Nicholas were recently named finalists in the Best Community Engagement Program category at the 2026 Advisor Magazine Better Business Awards for their Legacy Lunch initiative, which has helped fund the rescue of 35 children from exploitation.
The average cost to rescue one child is $2,100.
Across events held in 2024 and 2025, Legacy Lunch raised more than $74,000, with support from Sunshine Coast businesses including platinum sponsor fashion retailer, Billy J.
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Destiny Rescue spokesperson Matt Whittaker said the initiative reflected the power of local communities to create global impact.
“The atmosphere in the room during these events is unmistakable,” he said.
“It’s far more than an event; it’s a community choosing to stand up and take action.
“Luke and Brett didn’t just host a lunch, they modelled the generosity they hoped to inspire, with their own contributions directly resulting in multiple children being rescued.”
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Mr Meisenhelter said the recognition belonged to the wider community that had backed the initiative.
“We are beyond proud of what we have achieved for such an important cause like Destiny Rescue,” he said.
“Everyone involved in our Legacy Lunch gave their absolute all and for that we are so grateful.”
Mr Nicholas said organisers were now focused on expanding the initiative and increasing future fundraising efforts.
“Our goal in the future will be to increase engagement, raise additional funds, and ultimately support the rescue of more children from exploitation,” he said.
The next Legacy Lunch event is scheduled for later this year.
