Notre Dame volunteers build ties with Bourke youth

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Winter 8-8-2012

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia

Publication Place

Sydney

Abstract

Twelve students from The University of Notre Dame Australia recently joined Chaplain Fr Lam Vu and Chaplaincy Convenor Jessica Langrell on a 750km journey to the town of Bourke in rural New South Wales for a week-long volunteer initiative.

The trip was organised in collaboration with the Bourke Shire Council and the local PCYC, who gladly welcomed the return of the Notre Dame volunteers after a successful inaugural visit in 2011. The staff and students helped to run a youth holiday program held at the Bourke PCYC Centre, organising and managing sporting competitions, arts and crafts activities, fishing trips, mural painting and, a crowd favourite, the PCYC Amazing Race through the town.

The Notre Dame volunteers also had the opportunity to meet with local medical and government bodies, including the Aboriginal Medical Service, local Police and the Missionaries of Charity.

Second year Medicine student Marian Dover said working with the young people of Bourke was thrilling and she found it particularly rewarding to interact with the professionals who provide essential services to the town.

"Each and every one of us on the trip had quite a life-changing experience in Bourke," she said.

"It has re-shaped the way I think about life in remote areas, particularly from a healthcare perspective."

Jessica Langrell said she hopes the trip to Bourke will become an annual event.

"Notre Dame students are becoming increasingly interested in volunteering in regional areas," she said.

"Students who have travelled to Bourke with the Chaplaincy team are always pleased about the difference they can make in the lives of the young people of the town." Individuals interested in volunteer initiatives can contact the Sydney Chaplaincy team at jessica.langrell@nd.edu.au.

For further information please contact: Communications Officer, Elizabeth Fenech

The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney Campus

T: 02 8204 4407

E: elizabeth.fenech@nd.edu.au

W: www.nd.edu.au/

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