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During National Volunteer Week, we are celebrating some of the incredible people who volunteer at our programs and events
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This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the incredible people who bring warmth, joy, and connection to every Camp Quality experience. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do; whether leading games, sharing stories, or offering a comforting presence. Because of them, kids get to laugh, play, and just be themselves, and families find strength and support.
Each year, we recognise excellence in volunteering through our Gillard Volunteer of the Year Award. Launched in 2011, the award is named after two former volunteers, Richard and Heather Gillard.
Our program teams nominate a volunteer form each state and territory who demonstrates commitment to Camp Quality, and our values, and has made a notable impact and beyond their role.
We’re proud to share the nominees below!
CARLA FROM SYDNEY – OUR 2024 GILLARD VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR!
With more than 20 years of service, Carla is the heart and soul of Camp Quality. She’s not just a long-time volunteer – she’s a creative force, constantly finding new ways to bring positivity, laughter and unforgettable experiences to our kids and families. Whether she’s researching fun new camp themes or reflecting on how to make each program even better, Carla leads with passion and purpose.
💛 Known for her glittering disco costumes and boundless energy, Carla lights up every camp she attends. Our NSW Family Program Coordinator, Mel Barter, says that “She brings an infectious enthusiasm that spreads positivity, hope and joy to everyone around her. Whether she is donning her incredible disco costumes, or sharing her creative ideas, Carla constantly uplifts the spirits of those around her.”
Carla is a natural leader an inspiration to others and makes every child feel safe, seen and celebrated.
👏 Carla says, “I love being part of a team that brings laughter, hope, and unforgettable moments to kids and families doing it tough – it’s a joy and an honour.”
She was first inspired by a TV segment on Camp Quality, and ever since, she’s been helping create the very memories that moved her years ago.
SEB FROM SOUTH NEW SOUTH WALES – A TRUE CAMP QUALITY LEGEND!
💛 For over 27 years, Seb has been the kind of volunteer who puts his hand up for everything. Whether it’s leading Combo Camps, jumping in last-minute for the EDS Big Walk, or travelling to whichever region needs help… Seb shows up. He’s not just a helper; he’s a doer, a planner, a mentor, and a heart-and-soul kind of guy. At last year’s walk, his team helped raise over $131,000 ~ a testament to his dedication.
💛 Seb is the kind of person who turns rained-out camps into extremely fun days with spontaneous games. He brings energy, optimism, and spontaneous fun to every camp, and has a gift for lifting spirits when plans go off track. He’s mentored the next generation of leaders, supports staff through changes, and is known for texting through brilliant ideas year-round – always wanting to make Camp Quality better. One time, he even wrangled seven emergency services (including a chopper!) to show up at camp, just by knocking on doors early in the morning.
👏 After two decades of service, Seb is more than a volunteer — he’s a pillar of the SNSW community. He champions culture, celebrates life, and leads with heart. We’re so lucky to have him in the CQ family. Thank you, Seb, for your passion, leadership, and relentless positivity. You make magic happen.
KIM FROM VICTORIA – A TRUE FORCE OF POSITIVITY AND CARE AT CAMP QUALITY!
🌟 In just two years, Kim has made an enormous impact as a medical volunteer, camp leader, and all-around superhero at our camps across Victoria. She’s the first to put her hand up when support is needed, even travelling interstate to make sure kids receive the best medical care while having the time of their lives. Whether it’s wearing a tutu or leading the fun, Kim lives and breathes the Camp Quality spirit.
💛 Kim brings boundless optimism and compassion wherever she goes. “Camp is my happy place,” she often says… and it shows. Her warmth and leadership put parents at ease, her medical knowledge brings peace of mind, and her infectious energy lifts everyone around her. She’s been known to turn thunderstorms into disco parties and never misses a chance to spread fun and happiness, no matter the circumstances.
👏 Kim leads with integrity, heart and action. Whether guiding a nervous family through medical questions or connecting them with extra support after camp, she goes above and beyond for our families. Her adaptability, kindness, and sense of fun have made her an irreplaceable part of the Camp Quality community. Thank you, Kim, for all that you do ~ we’re so lucky to have you!
LOUISE FROM TASMANIA – A TRUE CAMP QUALITY SUPERSTAR!
🌟 For the past four years, Louise has given her heart and holidays to bring positivity, fun, and laughter to kids and families across Tasmania – and even beyond. Last year, she flew to Victoria to help run a Middle Camp, stepping in wherever needed to make sure everything went smoothly. Whether she’s leading, photographing, or offering first aid, Louise embodies what it means to be part of One Team!
💛 Known for her bright energy and fearless spirit, Louise lifts the mood of every camp she attends. Even when she’s a little nervous, like at our Christmas party chairlift ride, she jumps in with a big smile, leading by example and spreading happiness. Her dedication is clear: giving up her own time to be there, always ready with a laugh, and never missing a chance to go above and beyond for our campers.
👏 Louise’s kindness, integrity and happiness are the heartbeat of the Camp Quality community in Tassie. Families trust her, volunteers admire her, and we are endlessly grateful for the energy and love she brings. Thank you, Louise, for showing up, standing out, and making camp a place full of magic.
BEC FROM SOUTH AUSTRALIA - CELEBRATING 24 INCREDIBLE YEARS!
🌟 Bec has been a dedicated Camp Quality volunteer in South Australia for over two decades – bringing happiness, calm, and connection to every camp she’s part of. Whether she’s snapping photos, leading programs, or being the rock-steady presence volunteers rely on, Bec’s commitment to our mission has never wavered. She even joined an NT Junior Camp back in 2014, always willing to step up wherever needed.
💛 Known for her calm leadership, Bec has held Camp Leader roles and supported volunteers with grace and warmth. She’s the kind of person who rolls with the unexpected and always puts families first. You’ll find her in the thick of the fun: swimming, dancing, building, laughing ~ doing it all with a big heart and open arms.
👏 SA is lucky to have her! Rebecca’s friendly nature, problem-solving attitude, and genuine love for the Camp Quality community shine through everything she does. Thank you, Bec, for 24 years of passion, positivity and unforgettable moments. You’re a legend!
RAMBO FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA – A VOLUNTEER POWERHOUSE WITH 14 YEARS OF HEART!
🌟 Rambo has been lighting up Camp Quality WA for over a decade with his energy, leadership and dedication. Whether he’s leading a camp, mentoring first-time volunteers, or creating unforgettable experiences for families, Rambo brings enthusiasm, kindness, and a can-do attitude to everything he does. He’s the kind of person who lifts the whole team just by being there.
💛 His leadership goes beyond the job description. Even with personal commitments overseas, Rambo made sure every responsibility was fulfilled before leaving – and hit the ground running upon return. He’s known for showing up, following through, and giving 100% to every task. His integrity, reliability and infectious positivity have helped countless volunteers feel confident and supported.
👏 Rambo lives the Camp Quality spirit. He balances fun and responsibility with grace, and leads by example in every role. Thank you, Rambo, for 14 amazing years of service, laughter and positivity. WA is lucky to have you!
TRACY FROM QUEENSLAND - 15 YEARS OF PURE HEART AND HUMOUR!
🌟 Tracy is the kind of volunteer who goes above and beyond – flying from North QLD to Brisbane when needed, stepping into any role, and always putting campers first. With a natural gift for connecting with kids (especially those with additional needs), she brings warmth, laughter, and a dash of silliness to every camp. Her kid-at-heart spirit creates an atmosphere of fun and comfort that everyone feels the moment she walks in.
💛 Tracy’s optimism is contagious. She turns nerves into confidence – like when one camper was too scared to try an activity, Tracy gave it a go first (even if she didn’t nail it!) and encouraged them to try. The result? A huge smile and a proud moment that wouldn’t have happened without her. With a personal connection to Camp Quality through her own child’s cancer journey, Tracy brings incredible empathy, resilience and heart to her role.
👏 As a trusted Camp Leader in North QLD, Tracy not only delivers top-notch programs, but mentors others, leads by example, and upholds the values of Camp Quality with integrity. For 15 years, she’s been a shining example of compassion, courage, and commitment. Thank you, Tracy – you’re the heart of what we do.
JEFF FROM NORTH NEW SOUTH WALES – 15 YEARS OF LAUGHTER, LEADERSHIP AND HEART!
🌟 Jeff is the kind of volunteer every camp dreams of. With 15 years under his belt, he’s supported programs across Northern NSW, Newcastle and Queensland – always ready to jump in, travel the distance, and take on any role that’s needed. From Camp Leader to First Aid to community fundraising (hello, Katie Bain Memorial Golf Day!), Jeff gives his all to Camp Quality.
💛 Known for his warm, down-to-earth nature, Jeff quickly builds rapport with families, volunteers, and even corporate partners. His calm, can-do attitude sets the tone at every event – making everyone feel safe, supported, and ready to have fun. He’s mentored countless new volunteers and brings country charm, humour, and patience to every moment. Whether he’s running a busy Family Fun Day or helping behind the scenes, Jeff makes it all feel effortless.
👏 Jeff doesn’t just show up – he lifts everyone around him. His leadership, integrity, and joy embody everything Camp Quality stands for. Thank you, Jeff, for the energy, kindness, and community spirit you bring. You make camp feel like home.
