It all started with a cup of tea

Bush to Beach Founder Jack Cannons AM met the late Aunty Joyce Doole and other Aboriginal Elders in Brewarrina (far north west NSW) in the early 1990s through local fundraising and volunteering initiatives. And in early 2000, Joyce and Jack had a conversation over a cup of tea that sparked the idea for Bush to Beach.

They connected over their shared passion for learning and shared concern about truancy preventing local kids receiving a proper education.

“Education is the only way that young people can grow and survive.”

Jack Cannons AM, Founder Bush to Beach

Since 2006, with support of the South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club, Bush to Beach has facilitated an annual trip for children in Brewarrina and surrounding communities to visit Sydney’s Northern Beaches – a 12-hour bus ride away – as a reward for good school attendance and behaviour. The program enables the young people to learn new skills, build confidence and experience an environment totally unlike the one they’ve grown up in.

“Kids in the outback don’t have the same opportunities as kids in the city. I wanted them to see what else is out there, enjoy new environments and meet new people.”

Jack Cannons AM, Founder Bush to Beach

Since the program began, 600 plus children from north west NSW have attended a Bush to Beach camp. The program participants must attend school throughout the year to take part and, as a result, Brewarrina and surrounding areas have reported a reduction in truancy.   

“Over the last 12 years, we have watched school attendance and behaviour improve, as the kids have a real reward to look forward to at the end of the year. The program has such a huge positive impact on the behaviour and morale of the students, which flows through to the wider community.”

Kevin Humphries, former Member for Barwon (2007-2019)

The Northern Beaches community have supported the program to ensure it remains no-cost to participants and carers by volunteering their time, fundraising and providing food and services. The relationship between the two communities has grown, with many trips being made to Brewarrina to supply clothes, baby wares, computers and educational equipment.

Bush to Beach works closely with Aboriginal communities in Brewarrina and surrounding areas to deliver our programs. We help create friendships across Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures and bridge vast distances. Bush to Beach is reconciliation in action.