A 15-year journey of perseverance, community spirit, and unwavering dedication has led to a remarkable transformation at Camp Gregory, a retreat for Veterans and First Responders. Nestled in a peaceful, secluded location near Woodgate, and backing onto the serene Gregory River, this sanctuary has always been a place of refuge and healing, running on the kindness and support of generous donors and members.
The heart of Camp Gregory’s story begins with ex-serviceman Roger Bwyer, who, driven by his passion for helping his fellow veterans, opened his land to the community. But in 2019, during the devastating Woodgate Bushfire, it became clear that Camp Gregory’s safety was at risk. First responders had to waste valuable time driving to Woodgate to refill their water tanks before heading to the retreat—time that could mean the difference between life and death.
This wake-up call sparked a fire within Sheila, a veteran and determined resident of Bargara, who set out to secure fire relief funds to protect Camp Gregory. Her efforts led to the creation of a crucial fire prevention plan, including an idea that would revolutionize the safety of the camp: the construction of an appropriate boat ramp to serve as an emergency evacuation route for first responders and provide a new training site for local emergency services.
Incredibly, Sheila’s hard work paid off, and the camp was awarded the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant. But what followed was no easy feat. Despite the urgent need, the approval process faced significant hurdles, the most challenging being a refusal from the local council to allow a boat ramp to be built on privately owned land.
But Roger Bwyer, driven by his commitment to the cause, found an inspiring solution. In an extraordinary act of generosity, he decided to gift the land deeds to the Burnett Mary Regional Group Conservatory, ensuring the camp’s future while also enabling the boat ramp to be constructed. The land would no longer be privately owned, and with this gesture, Roger paved the way for a safer, more accessible Camp Gregory.
Thanks to the incredible support of Woodgate Beach Concreting, construction of the boat ramp began in October 2024 and will continue through to February 2025. Throughout this process, countless volunteers have come together for working bees, driven by their shared vision to preserve Camp Gregory for generations to come.
This journey, marked by community unity, resilience, and the spirit of giving, proves that even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome when people come together for a common cause. Camp Gregory is not just a retreat; it is a living testament to the power of compassion and dedication.
Image of President Simmo on boat ramp
Published March 2025