Russell Heng, a playwright and journalist from Singapore and David Combe a former broadcaster and journalist from Canberra enjoyed a stopover in Grenfell and a catch up with Warwick. Russell has a degree in psychology and attended the Australian National University writing his PhD in Political Science.

GUEST SPEAKER: At the recent Camp Quality Tractor Trek dinner Courtney Taylor, daughter of Leigh and Margo of Grenfell delivered this outstanding speech on her life as a cancer patient/survivor.

On May 27, 1997 I was a normal, happy four year old, by May 28 I was a cancer patient.  Even now I’m sure that my parents still have vivid memories of the two years of chemotherapy, hospital visits and countless medical appointments that followed my diagnosis. Thankfully, I only have limited memories of this time. What I do remember however, is the incredible experience and lifelong friendships I’ve developed over the last 19 years during my involvement with Camp Quality. Camp Quality provides a haven for children living with cancer and their families throughout their cancer journey. 

Their programs bring together children affected by cancer, siblings and the offspring of cancer patients in an environment that allows them to meet other children in similar circumstances, normalise living with cancer and take a break from that all it involves. It’s uncommon on camps to talk about cancer and I believe that it’s because Camp is so far removed from their daily lives where their or a family member’s life revolves around cancer. It provides an opportunity for siblings to be the focus of some of the attention that is directed to a sick child during treatment and to understand that they are not forgotten. It is on these camps that you really see the Camp Quality motto – Laughter is the best medicine- truly come to life. Not just on the faces on the children, but on the faces of each of the staff, volunteers and community organisations that are involved over the course of a camp. 

Since 1997 I have been fortunate enough to attend numerous recreational camps, including various week long annual camps across NSW, family weekends, ski camps, adventure camps, senior camps and also the only nationwide camp to be held by Camp Quality in its 33 year history. Prior to attending a camp, each child is allocated a companion who is essentially their carer for the duration of the camp. These companions are ordinary volunteers who give up their time to attend the camps and play a vital role in making the camps the success and fun that they are.

I was lucky enough to have 3 companions across the camps I have attended and maintained contact with them since. I attended my first week long camp in Forbes at the age of 5 in January 1998 along with a number of other children aged between 4 and 18.

Over the years I attended these annual camps in Canberra, Orange, Bathurst and Stanwell Tops. On the camps we would choose a number of activities to participate in (from rock climb, abseiling, swimming, obstacle courses to photography and craft with Grenfell’s own craft lady, Judy Mitton), attend a whole group activity day (whether it was a tour of the zoo or a Harry Potter themed train ride and activity day). A few of the highlights of these camps for me have been having afternoon tea with Sir William Deane, hot air ballooning over parliament house, a behind the scenes tour of Western Plain Zoo, making Giant Freckles (where you cover a bald head in melted chocolate and sprinkle with 100’s and 1000’s), concert night and dress up night (which had a different theme each camp). But by far my two favourite camps were the National Camp in Sydney for 400 14-18 year olds. During the course of the camp we went surfing with Layne Beachley, climbed the Harbour Bridge with the federal health minister, and attended a private concert, giant swing, football with the Manly Sea Eagles, Jamberoo Adventure Park and much more. Seniors camp in the Northern Territory saw 16 of us from across the Central West and Canberra travel to Alice Springs to go Camel Riding, hiking through Orimston Gorge, Kings Canyon, the Olgas and Uluru. For me, I think that the Camp Quality program helps to give kids back their confidence, know that there is life outside and after cancer and that it is not something that defines you in anyway. Next month, it’s my turn to give back.  I’m jumping the fence to attend my first camp as a companion. The camp has a ‘when I grow up’ theme and my 8 year old camper has already planned our activities for the camp and informed me we’ll be abseiling off the tallest tower (I’m really glad I’m not afraid of heights). Finally, a huge thank you to the Tractor Trek team, without such contributions Camp Quality would not be able to continuously provide memorable experiences like mine.

GRADUATING

PHOTOGRAPHY DEGREE: Brent Logan, son of Paul and Cathie, together with nine other students of Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga recently completed their photography degree. On Saturday evening Brent’s parents, his grandmother Teddy Simpson, Gingah Milne, Warwick Crampton and Peter and Judy Spedding travelled to Wagga for the Official Opening of the bespoke display at the Wagga Art Gallery. Each student was allowed three photographs to display. The exhibition will be on display till January 8, 2017.