Quilpie doing its bit for cancer patients

More than 200 people supported a cause for cancer in the Queensland south-west town of Quilpie on June 26. Find out more. Sam also spoke to the local schools. See photos.

Wallabadah raises funds for cancer

The small rural community of Wallabadah, south of Tamworth in north west NSW, did it's bit for cancer on May 26. Find out more.

Peters family fundraiser huge success

The Petersham community gathered to support one of its own at a huge fundraiser on April 30. Find out more.

South-east principals and staff meet

Principals and support staff from across the Illawarra and south east of NSW meet in Batemans Bay. Find out more.

Opening Bourke show in the green

It was green, green, green all the way to Bourke for the opening of this year's show...thanks to the best rainfall in years throughout the district. Sam opening the show on April 24. Find out more.

McGrath Estate Agents hear Sam's story

Sam and Jenny Bailey spoke to McGrath Estate Agents on April 19 in Sydney.

Find out more.

Inspiring medical students to head bush

Sam and Jenny Bailey did their best to encourage medical students to head bush at a talk on April 10 in Wollongong. Read more.

Dinner for ag societies across country

Agricultural Societies Council representatives hear Sam's story at Sydney dinner on April 9. Read more.

Truck industry meets at Gold Coast

Australian Trucking Association members meet for annual conference in April at Gold Coast. Read more.

Women gather at Bronte Surf Club

A small group of women gather regularly at Bronte to hear about different lives. Read more.

Sunnyfield Beach Breakfast shines

Sunnyfield enjoyed a stunning sunrise for its annual Beach Breakfast at the Manly Pacific. Read more.

GPT financial staff hear Sam's story

Sam Bailey told his story to staff from Group Property Trust on March 19. See more.

Sam and Jenny on Channel 7's Sunrise

Sam and Jenny Bailey appeared on Channel 7's Sunrise on Thursday, March 18, to help publicise their talk for Sunnyfields charity on Friday, March 26, at the Manly Pacific, Sydney. See more on the 2010 News Page.

More than 3000 kids hear Sam's story

Sam Bailey spoke to more than 3000 students during his visit to Albury on March 10 to 12 when he visited to help launch the Albury Gold Cup Race carnival. Find out more about his school visits on the 2010 Schools News page. Find out about the Albury race luncheon on the 2010 News page.

Second trip heads north to Queensland

Sam and Jenny Bailey headed north into Queensland for their second trip of 2010 to speak at a couple of schools and the Perioperative Nurses Association of Queensland Downs and South West Branch biannual conference in Toowoomba. Sam is pictured right with Sam Thorne at Toowoomba Grammar - find out more about the school visits on the 2010 School News page. For more information about the community event on March 5, visit the 2010 News Page.

Sam and Jenny head to Albury, just inside the NSW/Victorian border to speak to schools and a community lunch from March 10 to 12.

Sam hits the road for first 2010 trip

Sam hit the road in mid-February for his first trip for 2010, visiting Singleton to speak to students, soldiers and Rotarians. Find out more on the 2010 News page and 2010 School News page.

2010 begins with a break

Christmas and New Year are normally the time for holidays but unfortunately Sam Bailey experienced a break of a different kind in the early part of this year. On January 18 he broke his right leg just below the knee. It was the same leg he broke only 10 months ago, when he broke his femur above the knee. Sam assumes the break happened when he partly fell off his 4-wheel-bike while attempting to shut double gates in windy conditions. He wasn't aware of the injury until that night when he noticed his leg was swollen. By the next morning it was also badly bruised. An X-ray showed he's broken the tibia and fibula. The leg was placed in a brace (pictured left) and Sam was forced to cancel his first two speaking engagements for the year, the Australia Day ambassadorial role at Bega on the NSW south coast and a fundraiser on February 6 for the Kiss the Frog Foundation at Randwick Racecourse, Sydney.

Merry Christmas to everyone

Sam and Jenny would like to wish all their friends across Australia a very special and Merry Christmas. It has been an eventful year with Sam breaking his leg in March, but then trips to Perth, throughout NSW and southern Queensland, where they caught up with many old friends and made lots of new ones. The Helifirst project continues to progress, with consultation currently underway with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to help finalise the modifications Sam will require to fly the Robinson R44. Major sponsor, The Commonwealth Bank, continues to give it's full support and everyone hopes to finally get the project in the air during 2010.

Bundarra battles drought and fire

The small rural community of Bundarra on the NSW North West Slopes has battled drought and more recently fires this year. Sam and Jenny visited to speak on December 17. Find out more.

CMA staff meet to plan future

Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA staff and directors met in Inverell in early December to plan their future strategy. Find out more on our 2009 News page.

Helifirst song wins national award

Talented South Australian songwriter Danny Hooper takes home national award for Helifirst theme song. See more details on our 2009 News Page.

Health workers meet in Tamworth

Rural Allied Health professionals from across NSW met at Tamworth for their annual state conference on November 12 and 13. Sam and Jenny were there for the occasion. See more on 2009 News page.

Farmers gather at Goondiwindi

Farmers gather in Goondiwindi to develop more leadership skills. More on 2009 News page. Sam also found time to visit St Mary's School. See the schools page.

Utes in Paddock art exhibition

Sam and Jenny attended the opening on October 31 of an art exhibition at the Carrington Hotel, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. It features artists who have contributed to Utes in the Paddock, a unique collection of Holden utes that have been turned into art works and can be seen at Ootha, near Condobolin in Central NSW. Find out more.

More than 300 gather at Marrar

There was a wonderful response to a rural gathering at Marrar, north of Wagga Wagga, on October 30. See more on 2009 News Page. Sam also spoke to schools in the area. See photos.

Tooma area stunning in green

While much of NSW remains in drought it was far from the minds of Tooma residents, who are living in a sea of green during one of their best seasons in years. See more on the 2009 News page.

Talk in memory of special person

Sam Bailey's talk on Friday, October 23rd, to students at St Joseph's Convent school at Lochinvar in the lower Hunter Valley of NSW proved to have very special significance. Find out more on the 2009 News page.

ClubsNSW conference a show stopper

ClubsNSW held it's annual conference on the Gold Coast, Queensland, from October 10 to 13 and it was a show stopper. Find out why on the 2009 News Page.

Principals gather at Gold Coast

Principals travelled from across Australia for their annual get together at the Gold Coast. See more details on our 2009 News Page.

Tara men learn about health issues

More than 50 men gathered on September 2 at Tara to find out more about their health. Find out more. Sam also spoke at Tara's public school. See details.

Talented musician visits Croppa

Sam and Jenny first met talented South Australian songwriter and performer, Danny Hooper, when they spoke at Melrose in his home state in early 2008 and saw him play there. They were so impressed they asked him to come and perform at Croppa Creek, which he did in August 2008. He has just visited and performed there for the second time, and during this year's visit he also found time to drop in on the students at Croppa Creek Primary School. The school has just taken delivery of guitars for all the students, so Danny played for them and gave them a few tips. For more information about Danny, or to find out where you can see him perform visit his webpage www.dannyhooper.com.au.

Week long trip takes in Coffs and Ekka

Sam and Jenny spent a week on the road in early August to speak at the Australian Fertilizer Services Association national conference in Coffs Harbour (above), then travelled onto speak at Ekka, the Brisbane Show (right). Find out more on the 2009 news page.

Sam speaks at 2009 Brisbane Show...

Novartis animal health staff have fun

Novartis animal health staff members added an extra dimension of fun to their conference dinner on July 28. Find out more here.

Head Over Heels now available in audio

Sam and Jenny's book "Head Over Heels" is now available as an audio book from Bolinda Audio. This complete and unabridged version is read by William McInnes, one of Australia's most popular stage and screen actors. So for those people who don't have the time or inclination to read, or spend many hours on tractors or in motor cars, why not buy an audio copy of "Head Over Heels". Buy it here.

West Wyalong visit a huge hit

Sam and Jenny's visit to West Wyalong in the NSW Central West provided a huge hit with about 230 at the event. See more details on the 2009 News Page. They also visited local schools (pictured below). To see more about the school visits go the 2009 School News page.

 Sam resumes public speaking in Perth

Sam Bailey resumed public speaking this week in Perth, Western Australia...his first time since breaking his leg in late March. He spoke to members of Perth Business Swap, students at Marmion Primary School and at the Mortgage Gallery national conference. See more details here. Next week Sam will be visiting and speaking at West Wyalong in the Central West of NSW. See the diary for more information.

NEWS FLASH -Sam breaks leg

Sam in the ambulance ready to be taken to Tamworth hospital after breaking his leg on March 23.

Sam Bailey broke his leg in late March, preventing him from speaking at the Department of Communities/Disability Services Queensland state-wide conference on April 3 in Brisbane. Sam broke the femur in his right leg after losing his balance and falling from his four wheel bike while moving a garden hose. While he's fallen from the bike many times before, this time he just fell the wrong way. His leg was operated on at Tamworth Base Hospital on March  24. A rod was inserted down the centre of the femur to stablise the break (Xray pictured below), which is expected to take up to three months to fully mend. Unfortunately that has disruped Sam's public speaking schedule, to his huge disappointment. He will resume his public speaking as soon as possible.

Sam was very well taken care of at the brand new Warialda Hospital, while recovering from surgery to his broken leg. He's pictured with office administrator, Marg Baxter. He returned home on Monday, April 6.

Drought continues in NSW south

While many people may think the drought is over - and for some it thankfully is - unfortunately there are still many farmers and rural communities who have not received rain and are facing their third, fourth even fifth year of on-going drought. On March 5 and 6 Sam and Jenny Bailey visited the southern Riverina in southern NSW to speak to some of those farmers affected. See Photos and story on 2009 News Page.

First school visit for 2009

Sam visited his first school for 2009 on March 6 when he spoke to students at Bunnaloo Public School in the southern Riverina of NSW. This small country school has 51 students. Sam also visited Mathoura Public School the same day. See the schools page.

Meeting young dairy farmers

Sam and Jenny travelled to Maleny on the Queensland Sunshine Coast to speak to a group of young dairy farmers on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. Sam said it was fantastic to meet a group so enthusiastic about their industry despite facing drought, deregulation and now falling milk prices. See photo and story on the 2009 News page.

Raising funds for injured rugby player

The rugby family rallied to raise funds for injured player, Mark Tonga on Saturday night, February 21, with a huge fundraiser at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The dinner included a who's who of the rugby world plus many supporters, family and friends of Mark, who suffered a high level spinal injury while in training with West Harbour Rugby Union Football Club. For more photos and information see 2009 News page.

Sam with Mark Tonga at his fundraiser at ANZ Stadium on February 21.

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---- 2008 News ----

Visiting banks of the Murray River

Sam and Jenny were on the banks of the Murray River in southern NSW in mid-December to speak to farmers and residents in the still drought affected Corowa district. They are pictured after their talk at Corowa RSL Club with (back l-r) David and Sharon Fisher, Daryl Gibbs (who helped organise their fundraiser for Walla Walla Football and Netball Club earlier in the year); and (front) Don Burrowes, the Drought Support Worker with Department of Primary Industries based in Corowa and organiser of their visit.

During their visit to the Corowa district they also spoke at Lalalty Hall where they met (back l-r) Faye Swann, Carol Lewis, Don Burrowes, Dick and Gai Marshall; (front) Wayne Lewis.

Buoying spirits in rural Bombala

It's been a tough year for the Monaro district of south-east NSW. Landholders are still suffering the effects of on-going drought and many sheep producers lost hundreds of sheep during an unexpected cold snap in November. Sam and Jenny visited in early December to speak at a Landmark Bombala clients dinner, hoping to buoy spirits of producers in the area. About 150 people attended the dinnner at Bombala RSL Club. Sam and Jenny are pictured with Landmark staff (back, l-r) Matt Joseph, Justin Lewis, Phil Cottrell (the owner of Landmark in Bombala and Delegate), Sam Platts (front, l-r) Matt Green and Sam with Lisa Cottrell (Phil's wife).

Sam and Jenny heard when they arrived in Bombala a local nursing home staff-member had just finished reading their book "Head Over Heels" to the local Currawarna Nursing Home residents, so decided to include them in their visit. They're pictured below with Jack Rogan and Grace Eppelstun, who turns 100-years-of-age on December 11, 2008. Happy Birthday Grace....you're amazing!!!

Sam and Jenny also spoke to local school students. See photo.

Recognising people with disabilities

Sam Bailey was one of three Ambassadors selected for this year's International Day of People with Disability, held on December 3. The other ambassadors were Milly Parker and Emmah Money. Milly lives with the injuries suffered in a car accident back in 1992, including head injuries, but a dog called Riley helped her get her life back on track and she has now established a successful business producing biscuits for dogs, called Happy Yappers, that are now being sold in countries around the world. Emmah has achieved outstanding success as a model, including being 2005 Girlfriend of the Year, despite suffering the life threatening disease Cystic Fibrosis.

As part of his role as an ambassador, Sam was MC and guest speaker at the National Launch for IDPwD held on the front lawns of Parliament House Canberra. He's pictured above at the launch with Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin looking on.

Sam pictured with other special guests at the national launch of IDPwD (l-r) Demi Sorono, a finalist in 'Australia's So You Think You Can Dance'; Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services; Milly Parker, a 2008 IDPwD Ambassador and Lorraine Sorono, who despite hearing loss from birth also appeared on 'Australia's So You Think You Can Dance' with outstanding success.

The major event helding on IDPwD was the National Disability Awards 2008. Sam and Jenny attended the dinner at Parliament House, meeting Peter Jamieson at the event (pictured above). 

Annual landcare gathering in Tumut

Riverina Highlands Landcare Network held its annual dinner on Tuesday night, December 2 at the Tumut Anglican Hall. About 100 people attended the dinner, where Sam and Jenny spoke. They are pictured above with Lauren Roche, Lee Armstrong, Mark Pearce and local landcare co-ordinator who organised the event, Cherie White.

Kinross Wolaroi School year's finale

Kinross Wolaroi School at Orange in the NSW Central West celebrated the end of its students' school year on November 29 with its 122nd Annual Speech Day, at which Sam was guest speaker. He and Jenny also handed out prizes to the many students who performed well throughout the year. Sam and Jenny are pictured above with the Chairman of the school council, Derek Pigot and his wife Shufan, the principal's wife Ali McKay, deputy chairman of the school council, Tony Cheney and principal, Brian Kennelly.

Sam and Jenny also met one of Kinross Wolaroi's outstanding achievers for the year, Emilie Miller (front beside Sam), who despite suffering a spinal injury earlier in the year has returned to school and her favourite sport, swimming, with an enthusiasm and determination that has inspired all the students at the school. They are pictured with (l-r, back) one of Emilie's friends Mitch Critoph and her parents Clayton and Donna Miller. Before her accident Emilie was a record-breaking swimmer competing at state and national level. Despite being told she may never swim again after suffering a spinal injury while diving into a pool, Emilie has already managed to swim a number of laps. Maybe one day we'll see her performing for Australia at the paralympics. We hope so.

Goondiwindi ball a fundraiser

"The Boys Ball" held on November 22 in Goondiwindi was a fundraiser for the Marcus MacDonald Youth Driver Awareness Charity and raised more than $13,000 towards educating young people about driving safely, especially when carrying their friends. Marcus and another young Goondiwindi man, Jamie McNulty, died tragically in a car accident on their way to play in the rugby union grand final in 2006. The accident had an enormous impact on the town, where most people knew at least one of the five boys involved in the accident. Sam and Jenny are pictured at the ball with Andrew Newell, who survived the accident and thought up the idea of holding the fundraising event, and Amy Tweedy, who organised it.

Fundraiser for Aussie helpers

Women from across regional and rural Australia gathered in Melbourne in mid-November for the first ever National Regional Women Leaders Convention. Organised by the Australian Women & Leadership Forum (AWLF), it was held over three days from November 17 to 19 at Melbourne Town Hall. The event aimed to support and celebrate the vital contribution of regional and rural women to Australian business, community and family life. Sam and Jenny spoke at the gala dinner on Tuesday night, November 18. It was also a fundraiser for a fantastic rural charity called Aussie Helpers, which brings emotional support, fodder and food to people coping with drought. A fundraising silent auction was held during the night and Sam and Jenny are pictured with the group of women who donated $1500 for the opportunity to go for a fly with them in their helicopter once it's up and flying. The lucky bidders included (l-r) Janice Anderson, Alicia Dunbar, Sue Sands, Connie Iddles, Kylee Matthews, Liz Sands and (front) Vicki Horstman.

Warialda selects local sportstar

Warialda's Sports Person of the Year for 2008 was Amie Clarke. She's pictured after receiving her award with Sam and Jenny, who spoke at the annual awards dinner on November 7 at Warialda Golf and Bowling Club.

Sam and Jenny also presented the annual John McGregor Memorial Award for Services to Sport to Sis Plain for her work for sport in the Coolatai community, particularly the local tennis club where she worked tirelessly despite never having picked up a tennis racket herself. The award is a memorial to Sam's late uncle, John McGregor, who was very actively involved in sport in the Warialda community.

Bomaderry hosts annual dinner

Sam and Jenny spoke to South Coast and Highlands Dairy Industry Group's annual gathering in late October at Bomaderry, which attracted local dairy farmers plus many others members of the public. They're pictured with some of the people who attended the dinner on October 31 (back, l-r) Wendy Woodward, Vivienne Henry, Brian Muller, Phil Monaghan and John and Jennifer Miller; (front) Rob Woodward.

AACo employees enjoy challenge

More than 100 Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) employees and their horses came together for three days of competition and socialising at this year's fourth Australian Agricultural Employee Challenge on October 16 to 18 at Julia Creek, in northern Queensland.

They came from AACo stations across Queensland and the Northern Territory for the event, the furtherest travelling for days from the Victoria River Group in the NT. They competed in four main competitions - the Colt Challenge; the Shoeing Challenge, the Jackpot Campdraft and the Innovations Award.

Sam and Jenny attended the event on the final day, speaking that night to attendees at the final night's awards dinner/dance. They are pictured above with the committee who organised the event (back l-r) Suzie Kearins, Claire Dyason, Ray Thieme and Glenn McCamley; (front l-r) Christian Coffey, Jenny, Sam and Michael Curteis.

A major highlight of the challenge was a parade (pictured below) of all the competitors on their horses, during which a number of awards were also presented.

Sam is pictured above with Steve Hesson and Rick Britton from Ausfuel, one of the sponsors for the AACo Employees Challenge. Sam and Rick both attended The Armidale School (TAS) in Armidale.

Gold Coast fundraiser for Jay

Sam and Jenny spoke at a fundraiser on Saturday, October 4, for Jay Hooker at Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Jay suffered a spinal injury earlier in the year and like Sam, did his rehabilitation at the Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane. He recently returned home. Sam and Jenny caught up with Jay's parents John and Cheryll (back left) for breakfast the following morning, and the organiser Noel Gill (right) - formerly from Warialda - and his son James.

Dairy Farmers staff face changes

The milk co-operative Dairy Farmers, owned by farmer members, is discussing a possible takeover by Japanese company, National Foods and staff are uncertain about their future. Sam and Jenny spoke to some of the staff at dinners in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in late September and early October in an effort to bouy their spirits and help them cope with the changes ahead. Sam and Jenny are pictured above with staff (back, l-r) Blane Coulcher, Aaron Chillingworth and David Hall; and (front, left) Karen Staal. 

Opening Merriwa's 100th show

Sam helped open the 100th Centenary Merriwa Show in the Upper Hunter (NSW) on September 21 at the invitation of great mate from school, Dave Alker (left). He opened it with Mary Lopez AM (third from left), who grew up in Merriwa (nee Feneley). Her partner Rob Bail is also pictured (right). Mary specialises in creating and directing huge cast theatrical spectaculars and major ceremonial events of national, international and cultural significance. She is perhaps best known for the Schools Spectacular, which showcases the finest talent in the NSW Public Schools system in a two-and-a-half hour themed variety spectacular staged annually at Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Speaking at the Merriwa Show gave Sam and Jenny the chance to spend some time with great friends, the Alker family (back, l-r) Alex, Georgie, Dave and Jess; (at front) Harriet and Adelaide. Alex is Sam's Godchild.

QLD celebrates people's abilities

Sam and Jenny Bailey joined in Disability Services Queensland (DSQ)'s Disabilities Action Week activities in the Toowoomba and Warwick areas of southwestern Queensland. They spoke at dinners in both town on September 15 and 16 respectively, helping put the spotlight on their personal challenges of living with and overcoming a disability.

Disability Action Week, from September 14 to 20, celebrates diversity and open new doors to inclusion and access for everyone. This year's theme 'See beyond the disability' was about shining the spotlight on the experiences, aspirations and contributions of people with a disability.

Sam is pictured above with some of the participants in the Toowoomba celebratory dinner (l-r) Glenn Todhunter, Michelle Todhunter, Jen Callachor (who co-ordinated the events in the Tooowoomba area), Rosie Harrison, Helen Sheedy and Alison Daniel. Glenn Todhunter, who is a double amputee, is helping with Sam's goal towards becoming the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter. A black hawk pilot, he will teach Sam to fly the Robinson helicopter. (See more on the Helifirst page). 

Sam and Jenny with participants at the Warwick dinner (l-r) Peter McDonnell, Dave Gavin, Scott Reimer and Michael Gee.

Re-living the marriage proposal

Tamworth Town and Country Club played host to Sam and Jenny Bailey at their lunch meeting on September 12, with a huge roll-up...more than 60 members and their guests. It was a great event, with Sam and Jenny sharing their story with many who heard Sam's marriage proposal to Jenny 'live' on ABC Regional Radio back in 1998. They enjoyed reliving that moment, which has stayed vividly in many people's memories. Sam is pictured above with committee members (front) president, Robyn Sanderson; (back l-r) treasurer Chris Wiseman and secretary Marg Warden, who helped Sam with his proposal. He stayed with Marg and her late husband Mike the night before he popped the question, and she helped take him to the ABC studio for the big event.

Inspiring catchment management

 Sam and Jenny did their bit to help inspire people in the Central West Catchment on September 3, when they spoke at a dinner at Wellington Civic Centre. They were speaking during a two day workshop which allowed participants to hear landholders talk about how they have managed their natural resources and what has sparked them to take action. Sam is pictured above with (l-r, back) Clayton Miller, Tim Cox, David Clarke, Adam Hook and Rod Campbell; (front, l-r) Tammy Brewer and Reg Kidd after the dinner. 

Country Energy leaders at Tamworth

Sam and Jenny travelled to Tamworth on August 12 to speak to Country Energy team managers and executive staff at Tamworth's Regional Entertainment Centre. They are pictured above with General Manager of Human Resources, Keven Semple, and General Manager Corporate Strategy, Ben Hamilton; and speaking below (Image courtesy Country Energy).

Inspiring the Dungog community

Dungog and district residents in the lower Hunter Valley is facing a major upheaval with the proposed construction of Tillegra Dam, a large water storage to supply the growing Newcastle and Central Coast populations. Sam and Jenny visited on August 6 to speak at a forum to help inspire locals as they cope with the proposal, which has caused controversy and rifts within the small rural community. Sam is pictured with (l-r) Rod Williams, Gunnedah mayor and also speaker at the forum Gae Swaine, Brett Peterkin, and Malcolm and Anne McDonald.

Visit to historic Tocal ag college

This is the stunning view of the outstanding historic rural homestead and out buildings of Tocal near Paterson in the Lower Hunter Valley (Above and Below). It is not only a beautiful 2,000 hectare rural property, it is also home to the CD Alexander Campus of Tocal College run by NSW Department of Primary Industries and a large office of DPI staff. Tocal is one of Australia's finest collections of colonial farm buildings dating from the 1820s and within the precinct are Aboriginal stone grindings indicating thousands of years of human activity at Tocal. The homestead is open to the public on weekends between March and November and the renovated shearing shed hosts functions, including weddings. Find out more.

 

On August 5 Sam and Jenny visited Tocal Agricultural College to speak to students and staff. Sam is pictured afterwards outside the architecturally designed main hall at CD Alexander Campus with students (l-r, front) Kristina Amenta, Jessica Cantrell, Sam, Rachel Coman; (l-r, standing) Ken McFarland, Karlee Doyle and Shaun Cox.

Sam and Jenny met Jenny Laffan (below), who works at the CD Alexander Campus. They are friends with her son, Matt Laffan, who is also a public speaker who has appeared on ABC Television's Australian Story. Matt and Sam met when they spoke together at 'Making Connections', the NSW Premiers Forum on Spinal Cord Injury and Conditions held in January 2003 in Sydney. The late Christopher Reeve, 'Superman' actor and quadripelgic, was special guest at the same forum.

 

Rotarians combine forces in Maitland

Rotary clubs from throughout the Maitland and Singleton areas came together for a combined rotary dinner, hosted by Rutherford/Telarah club, to hear Sam and Jenny speak at Maitland City Bowling Club on August 4. The dinner was also open to the public and attracted more than 100 people. Amongst the audience were Lea Harris (front with Sam) and (l-r, standing) Jenny, Ken Harris, Karen Haines, Paul Curran (President Rutherford/Telarah Rotary Club), Helen Curran, Jan Cooper and Russ Cooper (Rutherford/Telarah Rotary Program Director and Bulletin Editor).

Sam and Jenny were hosted for the night at Maitland's newest hotel/motel and conference centre, the Bradford, opened in October 2007 on the northern outskirts of Rutherford. They caught up with general manager, Graham Farish, (pictured with Sam below) for breakfast the next morning. They gave the motel's disabled rooms the thumbs up...and noted there are four rooms available - significantly more than normal. Find out more about the Bradford.

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