In January 2026 Bush to Beach celebrated 21 years of opening doors to opportunity for Aboriginal children from some of the most remote communities in New South Wales. By incentivising good school attendance with a trip of a lifetime to Sydney’s northern beaches, many participants get to see and experience the ocean for the very first time.
From Thursday 22 January to Sunday 25 January, around 40 Aboriginal children aged 8 to 15 from Brewarrina, Weilmoringle and Goodooga travelled from far north-west NSW to South Narrabeen for an immersive coastal education program.
Bush to Beach rewards students for consistent school attendance and commitment to learning, while equipping them with essential water safety skills, confidence and new perspectives beyond their home communities.
Across four days, participants engaged in swimming proficiency, snorkelling, surf awareness, introductory surfing, and CPR training, guided by volunteer surf lifesavers and local Nippers from South Narrabeen, Collaroy and North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Clubs, long-time supporters of the initiative.
Jack Cannons AM, founder of Bush to Beach, said the program is about far more than a beach visit.
“Bush to Beach is about belief, belief in education, belief in young people, and belief that exposure to new environments can unlock confidence and ambition. These kids earn their place on this trip, and what they take home lasts well beyond the weekend.”
He added:
“The program provides a unique opportunity for Indigenous youth to strengthen cultural pride while gaining life-saving skills that will serve them for years to come. It is a powerful example of community spirit, resilience, and the meaningful connections formed through shared experience.”
Bush to Beach is made possible entirely through donations, sponsorships and volunteer support, with more than 1,000 volunteer hours contributed to transport, accommodation, meals and equipment, ensuring no family is financially burdened.
South Narrabeen SLSC said: ''A big thank you to the volunteers from North Curl Curl, Dee Why, Long Reef, Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen and Whale Beach SLSCs for their support with Bush to Beach. Your help made a real difference and was greatly appreciated.''
This year's programme included, among other activities, the following:
Thursday 22 January
- Collaroy Rock Pool – Supervised swimming proficiency, snorkelling, surf safety, CPR training
- BBQ dinner – Collaroy Pool
Friday 23 January
- Surf School arrival & water safety briefing Collaroy or Long Reef, subject to surf conditions
- Morning tea (Manly CWA) – South Narrabeen Surf Club
- Lunch & gifts – South Narrabeen Surf Club
- Surf activities – Narrabeen
- Evening – Activities at Collaroy Centre
Saturday 24 January
- Snorkelling lessons – North Narrabeen Rock Pool with Kristen Wright – Miss World Australia 2023 / Miss World Oceania 2024
- Rip & wave identification education for Surf Safety knowledge sharing
- Beach clean-up
- Dinner & kids’ entertainment – South Narrabeen Surf Club. This was a magic show with Super Hubert - The kids watched, laughed, and enjoyed every moment.
A special moment from the weekend was when Scotty, one of the volunteers, and one of the Bush to Beach youngsters played the didgeridoo together.
Sunday 25 January
- Surf refresher & activities with local Nippers
- CPR & first aid education
- Pizza party on the beach
- Kids Karaoke & disco – Collaroy Centre
Now in its third decade, Bush to Beach continues to demonstrate how access, encouragement and community connection can change the course of a young person’s life, one experience at a time.
This wonderful program has truly come of age.
A few of the happy snaps - captions and photos taken by the Bush to Beach team and the great family that is South Narrabeen SLSC.
