Volunteering and Byron Bay

Volunteering

At the end of this week, we really felt like a part of the Crescent Head, New South Wales community after surfing with dolphins, seeing tonnes of whales and really helping out and engaging in the community. Our main task was weeding lantana so that native plants would be able to grow. Who knew volunteering could have such amazing views?! It was so great to make an impact in the environment, especially when strangers came up to us about it, and thanked us for all of our hard work. It really felt like we were making a huge impact in the world by just receiving a simple thank you. It made us want to help out more when we get home! Throughout volunteering there was so much team work in the efforts to clear the national parks of lantana, it contributed to how close our group of 16 has gotten. We also experienced our first 'mornos' which is a well deserved morning tea break with some treats. In addition to weeding we also picked up trash on the beaches of Crescent Head, as well as mulched a large area of land where native species had been planted. We learned that every little bit counts and we can all make a difference no matter how big the environmental problem may seem. One day we visited an old jail, which was cool to see and there were even kangaroos hanging around. In the evenings we would all get to hang out at the surf camp around a fire or watching movies together. One night we went to watch the finals of a rugby match at the town country club! We even had a dance party after breakfast one morning. On our last day in Crescent Head, we woke up early to watch the sunrise and reflect on the great week we had surfing and volunteering.

- Kelsey and Caroline

Byron Bay

The live music from the bands kept us stepping, while the dolphins parading under our kayaks kept the sense of adventure moving throughout our group. While only a select few explored the depths of the ocean, they came back with only positivity, saying it was a life changing experience, laying their eyes on creatures from sea turtles to reef sharks known as Wobbegong. Outside from the natural beauty and elegance of the beaches and oceans, the town held out a perfect vibe that anyone could grow accustomed to, with large varieties of shopping and entertainment to fit the needs of each individual of our very diverse group. Byron Bay was a memory that will be cherished and remembered for a lifetime.

-Gabby