Bush to Beach experience for Bre kids

James Shillingsworth and Brendan Hardy (looking at the camera) took to the surf like ducks to water during the Bush to Beach trip. Photo Gavin Little Photography

Almost 40 children from the Brewarrina Shire had their first taste of beach life when they took part in the Bush to Beach program last week.

The children, who must meet school attendance and good behaviour benchmarks to be eligible for the program, get the chance to have three days of fun in the sun, learning how to swim in the ocean, ride the waves on surfboards and learn vital beach and water safety skills.

They also experienced snorkelling and got to hang out with Miss World Australia, Kristen Wright.

It’s all part of a volunteer program through the Variety Children’s Charity and was founded by John Cannons 30 years ago.

For John, seeing the kids having the time of their lives and enjoying new experiences continues to be a thrill, and he was full of praise for the Bre kids.

“They had a magnificent three days, traveling overnight from Bre and arriving on the northern beaches of Sydney by Friday morning,” John said.

“Before we arrived at the South Narrabeen Surf Club, we took them to Collaroy pool for a safety lesson and proficiency tests - which they all passed.

“Then it was back to the surf club for more water safety and ‘stranger danger’ lessons, so the kids are prepared for the weekend.

“We took them on the bus to North Narrabeen rock pool where they saw wobbegongs and fish and crabs.

“Miss World Australia, Kristen Wright, donated goggles, and snorkels to each child and some of them refused to take them off for the whole day.

“The Miss World organisation does so much to empower young women and raises money through the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project for organisations all around the world. […]

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