A Sunshine Beach Airbnb host has received national recognition for offering free-of-charge stays to carers at her tranquil upmarket studio apartment.
Adrienne Penny was the winner of the Community Contribution Award at Airbnb’s first national host awards.
She was praised for providing respite to carers at her stunning Boutique Natural Rainforest Beach Studio, only minutes from the sands of Sunshine Beach.
“Adrienne goes above and beyond the description of a community contributor,” said awards judge and Airbnb Host Advisory Board member Merrydith Callegeri.
“She understands only too well how people who care for others with health issues can become overburdened by their caring and need a little respite.
“Adrienne has taken it upon herself to offer up her listing to these people for free, in turn making their lives a little brighter,” she said.
Ms Penny was already an Airbnb host when a friend of hers suggested she open the doors to carers.
She then linked with Carers Queensland and they found carers who were most in need of a break.
Ms Penny was “honoured” to receive the award and said it could put a spotlight on the hard work of carers.
“They can get so burnt out, looking after others, 24/7,” she said.
“And after hosting them a few times, I realised just how valuable the break was for them.
“They have said it was like a god-send, just being able to have that down time, to switch off and not have to think about others and have a bit of self care.
“And it was rewarding for me, knowing I could help somebody.”
Ms Penny encouraged other Airbnb hosts to put out the welcome mat to carers.
“It is such an easy way to volunteer,” she said.
“Many hosts have the resources there and they’re not necessarily being used all the time – they can get great reward from it.”
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With the support of Airbnb and Carers Queensland, she hoped to gain momentum with the Short Break for Carers Project, or ‘Carebnbs’.
“I appreciate many hosts have been doing it tough … with lots of cancellations and fewer guest bookings (due to travel restrictions),” she said.
“Equally that could mean there are openings and available space midweek in the calendar.
“There may be some host sentiment for helping others less fortunate.
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“More than ever there is a compelling need for carers who have been impacted in many ways by the pandemic to be able to have a short break.
“Airbnb hosts can help to meet this need and do something very positive and rewarding for others.”
Sunshine Coast stays featured prominently across the six categories of the Airbnb awards.
Among the region’s contenders were the boutique-style Babar House in Noosa Heads, which was a finalist in the Best Designed Stay category, while quirky tea party experience Goat Cream Tea Adventure in the hinterland was a finalist for Most Magical Experience.
