On Sunday 24 November nine Newington Boys departed to Springwood in the Blue Mountains in order to assist in the cleanup effort following the deadly bushfires from earlier this year. The Newington boys worked alongside Samaritan’s Purse, an international humanitarian organisation, to support property owner Gordon, in his cleanup effort. He is pictured above with us on the site of what had been his family home. Tasks involved clearing both land and rubble as well as salvaging lost possessions.

Speaking from both my own personal experience and for the whole group, the day was incredible. It bought to light that while the media coverage of the bushfires had faded away, the effects of the bushfires haven’t. The outing allowed each member of the group to feel grateful for our current situation and altruistic while lending a hand. The attitude and wise words which Gordon shared will always remain with me. The positive manner which Gordon conducted himself even in times of great loss was astonishing. Gordon’s personal outlook on the incident was “It’s not the problem that is the problem, but it’s how you fix the problem”. This quote will always be a reminder of how fortunate we truly are and a life philosophy that should be implemented by all.

On behalf of all the boys who went to Springwood, I would also like to thank Mr Van Asperen for organising the trip. Additionally I would also like to thank the workers of Samaritan’s Purse for their amazing efforts. This deed may have only been small but seeing the appreciation on Gordon and his family’s faces demonstrated that no effort from any of us went unnoticed.

Keegan Roberts (11/ME)
Senior Boarding Prefect