Celebrating our 2026 Gillard Volunteer of the Year winners

COURTNEY, A REAL LEGEND!

✨Courtney has volunteered with Camp Quality for six years across Kids’ Camps, MotoCyc, and many other fundraising events. She has supported five Kids’ Camps and contributed to major fundraising initiatives, including the Newcastle Golf Day and MotoCyc.

For Courtney, volunteering is about connection, friendship and raising awareness of Camp Quality’s work.

“I love the people that I get to meet and the friendships I have made, but more importantly, spreading awareness about the relief and positive moments that Camp Quality’s work brings to children with cancer and their families.”

Courtney says her father inspired her to give back.

“I owe being involved with Camp Quality to my father. He showed us from a very young age the importance of giving back. I started as a fundraising volunteer as soon as I could.”

💛Thank you, Courtney, for your energy, compassion and commitment.

NATALIE, A VOLUNTEERING QUEEN FROM QUEENSLAND

✨Natalie has volunteered with Camp Quality for 14 years across many roles including Companion and Rover, Camp Leader, Companion Support, Leadership Team Member, photographer, fundraising, and events, and in hospitals.

Known for her positivity, creativity, and willingness to step in wherever needed, Nat helps create welcoming experiences where children feel comfortable, included and ready to have fun. She recently stepped into her first Camp Leader role at Kids’ Camp, bringing enthusiasm, care, and a strong focus on supporting both families and fellow volunteers.

💛Thank you, Nat, for the joy, creativity and dedication you bring to Camp Quality.

TIM, A TASMANIAN SUPERSTAR!

✨Tim has volunteered with Camp Quality for nine years as a Companion and Rover, Camp Leader, Leadership Team Member, and First Aid volunteer. He also supports the Tasmania team behind the scenes, helping strengthen partnerships, and ensure programs run smoothly.

For Tim, volunteering is about helping create moments families will remember.

“I love that I get to help create and be a part of fun and memorable experiences for our campers and their families and that I get to do it with an amazing group of volunteers. Seriously though, how lucky are we that we get to be a part of this?”

Tim first joined Camp Quality after a friend shared a post calling for more male volunteers.

“Over the last 9 years I’ve had so much fun with our incredible campers, families and volunteers and I can’t wait to see what we’ll get up to next.”

💛Thank you, Tim, for your care, humour and outstanding support.

MAHNEY, CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF JOY AND LAUGHTER!

✨Mahney has been a Camp Quality volunteer for 19 years, supporting kids and families as a Companion and Rover, Camp Leader, and public speaking volunteer. She has also supported National Volunteer Training and the Tasmania team, showing a strong ‘One Team’ approach.

Mahney brings calm leadership, optimism and warmth to every program.

“There’s something so special about being able to bring joy to kids and families and help create epic memories they’ll cherish forever. I also love being around like-minded volunteers who teach me something new on every program, and many of whom I call friends.”

She was drawn to Camp Quality after losing her father to cancer in 2005 and wanting to help others find moments of joy and support.

“I was raised by my parents to always give back to the community, and after losing my father to cancer in 2005, I was drawn to help others find moments of joy, celebrate life and be supported during some of life’s toughest times. ‘Laughter is the best medicine’ felt so aligned with my personality. I knew I wanted to get on board.”

💛Thank you, Mahney, for your leadership, kindness and lasting impact.

CHRISTOPHER, A TRUE SOUTHERN NSW/ACT LEGEND

✨Christopher has volunteered with Camp Quality for 14 years as a Companion and Rover and photographer. Over the past year, he has supported programs across Southern NSW, Sydney and Queensland, always putting his hand up when help is needed.

Known for his positivity and adventurous spirit, Chris often arrives with a backpack full of games, bubbles and jokes, helping children feel confident and included. Whether he is arriving early, capturing special moments or quietly supporting the team, Chris consistently makes a meaningful difference.

💛Thank you, Chris, for your kindness, reliability and genuine care for Camp Quality families.

MATT, A LEGEND FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA

✨Matt has volunteered with Camp Quality for nine years as a Companion and Rover, Camp Leader, and Leadership Team Member. Across camps and events, he brings positivity, kindness and a calm, can-do attitude that helps everyone feel welcome.

Matt is known for stepping up when needed, including leading multiple family camps at short notice. In 2025 alone, he supported seven Camp Quality events and stepped into multiple Camp Leader roles, always keeping families at the heart of the experience.

💛Thank you, Matt, for your generosity, leadership, and commitment to creating joyful moments.

LOUANNE, CELEBRATING 33 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

✨Louanne has volunteered with Camp Quality for 33 years across roles including Companion and Rover, Camp Leader, Companion Support, and photographer. She has also supported interstate camps, bringing warmth, experience, and leadership wherever she goes.

Camp Quality has been part of Louanne’s life for more than three decades.

“Camp Quality has been a massive part of my life for over 30 years. One of the things which resonated with me many years ago, was when I heard the sentence; ‘there is nothing we can do about the quantity of a person’s life, but everything we can do about the quality’. This one sentence has been my motivation to commit to an organisation whose sole purpose is to make that difference. I have gained so much more than I have given over the years, and I am so grateful that Camp Quality has been a part of my life.”

Louanne is a natural connector who helps families and volunteers feel supported.

“I love seeing the children and families make the connections with each other, I have gained so much satisfaction from seeing families gain the courage to send their children on camp, then seeing the joy of their child sharing their stories on their return. To be part of these moments have been a privilege.”

💛Thank you, Louanne, for your extraordinary dedication and 33 years of impact.

BEN, A POSITIVITY POWERHOUSE IN SYDNEY

✨Ben has volunteered with Camp Quality for nine years as a Companion and Rover. He is also a passionate advocate through his workplace, helping strengthen connections between Camp Quality and corporate partners.

For Ben, camp gives children the chance to have fun and be themselves.

“Camps really do give kids the opportunity to be kids again, and it’s so fulfilling to be part of. Also, volunteers have just as much fun as the kids!”

Ben was encouraged to volunteer by his sister, Lani.

“I was inspired to get involved through my sister, Lani, who has been volunteering her whole life after battling cancer as a teenager.”

Ben brings warmth, humour and positivity to camp, helping children feel confident to join in, try new things, and enjoy the experience.

💛Thank you, Ben, for your dedication and the lasting impact you have on children and families.

Thank you to every Camp Quality volunteer

From camps and hospital programs to fundraising events, family days, leadership roles and behind-the-scenes support, Camp Quality volunteers help children facing cancer feel happy, supported and included.

Camp Quality simply would not be the same without you. Thank you for the time, care and joy you bring to our community every day.

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