Janelle and Sue - Aussie Camino Walk

By Janelle Hansen Join Me

We are fundraising for ORCA Project

Janelle and Sue's initiative to participate in the "Aussie Camino Walk" from Portland, Victoria, to Penola, South Australia, is not just a test of their endurance but a meaningful quest to support a noble cause. By choosing to walk this significant trail from April 15th to 24th, they are stepping into a journey that mirrors the spirit of perseverance and dedication shown by Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint, who is known for her extensive work in education and helping the needy.

 

Their decision to support The ORCA Project, an initiative by Wesley Mission Queensland highlights a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of young adults aged 17-21 in Brisbane. The ORCA Project's focus on providing School Leaver Employment Supports training is crucial for equipping these young individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the workforce successfully. It helps them find employment that not only aligns with their interests and capabilities but also enhances their confidence and independence in society.

 

The fundraising goal of $10,000 to purchase a Braille Translator and Embosser machine is a testament to their dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. This machine is vital for making learning materials more accessible to blind participants in The ORCA Project, enabling them to engage more fully in their education and personal development. The ability to translate printed materials into Braille not only supports the learning process but empowers participants to create and present their work independently, reducing the need for continuous support from a worker.

 

By committing to donate $62.50 for every kilometre walked, Janelle and Sue are setting a clear, achievable target that will have a profound impact on the effectiveness of The ORCA Project's training programs. Their initiative underscores the importance of community support in driving positive change and highlights the potential for individual actions to contribute to broader social outcomes.

 

For those inspired by Janelle and Sue's journey and the cause they support, visiting The ORCA Project's website for more details and contributing to their fundraising efforts can be a significant step towards helping young people with disabilities transition confidently into the workforce. Their walk is not just a physical challenge but a stride towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

My Updates

What a difference we can make!

Monday 29th Apr
Congratulations Sue and Janelle! So proud of you both.
Wil has a special message for everyone that is in the video below. Another participant Matthew directed and filmed this clip. 
It's worth a minute of your day to watch this!
If you'd like to help us cross the finish line to $12,000 with our fundraising for a braille translator, AND the silencing hood, please head to: 
https://fundraise.wmq.org.au/fundraisers/janellehansen

What a difference we can make!

Monday 29th Apr

Thank you! Thank you!

Monday 29th Apr
Due to your generosity, we have achieved our fundraising goal.  Thank you so very much!
In speaking with the ORCA team, we're going to keep this page open, aiming for $12,000 so that any further donations that you have already promised us can be included and ORCA will be able to purchase a Silencing Hood, making the Translator even more usable across all three ORCA projects. Thank you again (and watch Wil's video ... coming soon!)

Thankyou! Thankyou!

Monday 29th Apr

24th April - Our trekking is done!

Thursday 25th Apr

Regional hospitality

Wednesday 24th Apr
Getaway Tours arranged a scrumptious lunch at DiGiorgio Family winery outside of Penola. We stood under the acorn trees, ate walnuts straight from the trees, learnt about their wine production, and sampled a wide range of local products on a grazing platter. A celebratory meal as we started to s.l.o.w. down!

The end of an Aussie Camino.

Tuesday 23rd Apr
This morning we celebrated a Pilgrims' Mass at St Joseph's Church in Penola. The priest identified that a pilgrimage is "life in minature" and reflects sign posts and events, feelings and experiences in a very concentrated timeframe. We then celebrated at DiGeorgio Family winery for lunch and received our certificates. (Does anyone speak Latin?!?!)

Mary's words

Tuesday 23rd Apr
These words are depicted throughout Stable Park.

Day 8: KDoo to Penola!

Tuesday 23rd Apr
We made it!
A very chilly 2.4° start as we walked along country roads,  past potato harvesting, beside the first vineyards of the Coonawarra region and to Penola! Even Walker and Talker, the ORCA, made it! From the town entry, then to the door of Mary MacKillop's Stable School established with the support of Fr Jonathan Tennyson Woods.  Now for a good sleep,  and no alarm in the morning!!

Day 8 KDoo to Penola: The Movie!

Tuesday 23rd Apr

Day 7 The words!!!

Monday 22nd Apr
We left Dismal Swamp on a chilly 4° Sunday morning. Sue was "Gustodean" for the day (our St Augustine mascot) and,  as she said, our praise singing was with the birds and our contemplation the paddocks. 
A weary 24klms later, Kalangadoo Railway Museum was a very interesting visit before finding our accommodation at the Kalangadoo Hilton.

DAY 7 The Movie!!!

Monday 22nd Apr

Day 6 Accom at Dismal Swamp

Monday 22nd Apr
Bush Haven Cottages provided a beautiful, rustic, bunkhouse experience. The re-purposed water tank is now the amenities (can you find the shower in the wall paper surround?) Even dead trees and rescued, re-purposed and given new life in an adventure playground! Nothing dismal here!

Day 6 Walking Mount Gambier to Dismal Swamp

Monday 22nd Apr
After sight seeing, it was a shorter walk today - just 14klms. Along country roads, through pine forest and a beautiful nature reserve. A contemplative day!

Day 6 Mt Gambier sight seeing

Monday 22nd Apr
Day 6 We started with sight seeing around Mt Gambier at the Umpherston sinkhole. The gardens were extravagant! Look for the bee hives in the side walls ... they look like mini stalactites.

Musical Mantra on Camino

Saturday 20th Apr

Day 5 Port Macdonnell to Mount Gambier

Saturday 20th Apr
A different day as we left the coast and started to walk north, following roads,  farms, "the long paddock," and limestone roads. The rainbow was an unexpected symbol ... and it started raining again during our photo stop!!! Cold,  windy,  showers, freezing at our lunch time stop at Mount Shank, then onto Mount Gambier (via the ice cream shop... yum!) A slower start to Day 6 so there was time to post earlier!!!

Day 5 Photo Movie

Saturday 20th Apr

Day 4 afternoon

Friday 19th Apr

Day 4: Inland route to Swan Lake

Friday 19th Apr
Today we left the coast and walked the inland route traversing state forest, national park, and farm roads. But first, deet spray to deter leeches! Then up Mt Richmond. After lunch, the light drizzle turned to rain ... wet socks, well, wet everything ... but all dry in the laundry room (alias our twin bedroom) at Port Macdonnell's Bay Pub. We're officially in South Australia!

Day 3: Cape Bridgewater to Bridgewater Lakes

Friday 19th Apr
Day 3 and it was Cape Bridgewater to Bridgewater Lakes. We're really walking along the most amazing coastal route of the Great South West Walk. First stop, though, was Mary's Well in Portland, then on up the 150m elevation to look down on a playful seal colony, though only 2 there today and you can't see them in the photo!
On through weathered rocky tracks, the "petrified forest" (no wood, just weathered rocks!) plus so much beautiful, delicate shrubbery and flowers, blowholes, Freshwater springs on a rock platform, then behind the dunes to the Lakes. Another amazing day of scenery ... with some interesting walking challenges!

Day 3 Cape Bridgewater to Bridgewater Lakes

Friday 19th Apr

Where's Walker the ORCA?

Thursday 18th Apr
Walker decided to sit on the post at Cape Nelson and not go too close to the edge! An Orca who doesn't like the sea?

Day 2 From Cape Nelson, along stoney tracks along the headland, down to the beach (with rogue waves and washed up shipping containers!

Thursday 18th Apr

Portland - where it began

Thursday 18th Apr
Who was Mary MacKillop? The curriculum and fees charged for her school at Portland. The Blessed Mary window in St John's Church re-uses some of the glass from the window in the church Mary would have worshipped in and incorporates local symbols and traditional owners' connections. The cross from the original church (and a firepit) are incorporated in an outdoor sacred space.

An Aussie Camino

Thursday 18th Apr
Our pilgrimage is now 4 days in. We have been adjusting to a different world where discipline, group living, timing, walking, preparation,  debriefings ... and foot care ... and the rhythm of the day. 
We have shared inspirational times with the nuns at Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, Melbourne; the principal of Bayview College,  Portland (which incorporated Mary's cottage and first school) and the priest at St John's (built just before Mary lived in the area.)
We have been aware of "providential" moments throughout our days as pilgrims have cared for and supported each other,  shared our walking challenges, and enjoyed the blessings of hospitality which have been received. 
Walker and Talker (our ORCA companions designed and crafted by Lucinda), have travelled with us.  Thank you!!! 🚶‍♀️🙏♥️

Pilgrim Passport and Guide

Monday 15th Apr
Today we were given our official pilgrim numbers, shells with the Mary MacKillop insignia and our passports. Officially "pilgrims"! 🙏🚶‍♀️

And so we begin!

Monday 15th Apr
Day One: Our ORCAs are with us at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre where Sue and I have joined with our group. After an introduction to Mary's life and service, we have boarded our bus and are travelling to Portland to start walking tomorrow.

Only 5 days to go!

Wednesday 10th Apr

What is a Braille Translator Machine

Tuesday 9th Apr

Have you ever heard about a Braille Translator Machine? Let's talk about how revolutionary this technology is, especially for us at Orca. It's like unlocking the door to inclusive communication at its best. Picture this: with a Braille embosser at our disposal, we're empowered to convert any document into Braille. The beauty of it? None of us need to be fluent in Braille or memorize the intricate symbols and patterns. This machine smartly takes our documents, regardless of their format, and transforms them into Braille, seamlessly making our workplace more accessible to everyone.

Think about the difference it makes. Up until now, our blind colleagues had to depend on others to access written materials, from worksheets to handouts. Sure, they've been managing to create their own portfolios and reflections, but sharing them out loud, in front of peers and colleagues, always meant needing a bit of help to ensure they're echoing their thoughts accurately. Enter the Braille Translator Machine, coupled with a keyboard overlay in Braille, and suddenly, they're equipped to not only produce their documents independently but also present them confidently. It's a game-changer, ensuring that everyone on our team has the tools they need to express themselves and contribute fully.

These Boots, they keep on Walking!!

Sunday 7th Apr
Heard today another adjustment to the Mary McKillop - Aussie Camino Trail - the route has now been increased to 190km over the 7 Days of trekking. Lucky my Grandson has been my 'Pacesetter' as we work our way through his Mountain Bike Trails - helping me prepare for this `big adventure. Working towards not only our own personal achievement, but to support the Orca Project. Thanks Brody for supporting me in a brilliant way.

Easter Trekking through Bunyaville Reserve

Sunday 7th Apr
Thanks to my awesome 'Pacesetter' for sharing his Mountain Bike tracks - and keeping his 'Mema' moving over the Easter break as she works towards that long distance Trek- aiming to raise $10,000 for a Braille Translation and Embossing machine for the Orca Project- assisting Visually Impaired participants with greater learning opportunities! Please help us to succeed.

Planning and prep ... thanks Emma!

Monday 1st Apr
A big shoutout to Emma,  an Exercise Physiologist at Albany Creek Leisure Centre. During the last 7 months she's tailored my workout, updating and fine tuning,  plus giving me heaps of support and encouragement to achieve my 192klm goal! Thanks Emma!!!

Hello from me (Sue)

Thursday 28th Mar
Hi, thanks for taking a look at our page. My training for our long-distance Trek is a mix of Riding, Walking, Yoga and Tai Chi -promoting strength, stability and stamina. We are thrilled to add this fundraising opportunity for the wonderful Orca Project of the Wesley Mission. $10,000 would enable the purchase of Braille Translator and Embossing machines, which will enhance the learning opportunity for blind young people participating in the Orca Project. They may never be able to see what our eyes see, but, just maybe, we could help create imagery with use of these machines into a format that they can read. What an awesome thought. Please help us reach that goal - by contributing to this fund. With sincere thanks, Sue Stork

Our special orca buddies!

Thursday 28th Mar
We have two very special orcas, handcrafted by Lucinda! They're coming with us ... and we're looking for names!

Training in a rainy day

Thursday 21st Mar
There's plenty of steps for a rainy day's training!

Training has started and stopped...

Monday 11th Mar
Well here I am (Janelle) starting my training up at Rainbow Beach last Thursday. The weather has turned a bit so I am going to have to look at other ways to train. I'll keep you all posted!

This is ORCA Project

Thursday 7th Mar

Thank you to my Sponsors

$2k

Anonymous

Well done for a brilliant cause

$1.02k

Anonymous

Well Done Ladies

$1,000

John Dangerfield

Well done kids

$600

Ian Bell

$420

Keperra Sanctuary Ecumenical Church

$300

Naomi Kickbusch

$263.75

Graeme & Erica Drew

Great work Janelle and Sue. Congratulations on your initiative for a worthy cause.

$253.20

David And Michelle Royle

Go Janelle and Sue, We are so proud of you and fully supportive of this great cause. May God bless you with no blisters! 😊 Love and prayers for your walk. David and Michelle

$253.20

Jessica Warren

Wishing you both all the best on the Camino walk for this amazing cause! Brody and Willa will be cheering you on from afar, Mema!

$211

Sophie Eppingstall

Go you good things! A step closer to more inclusive workplaces, a leap to a more inclusive world. Keep breaking down those barriers xx

$191

See Above Donees

Donations have been received from the following members of Albany Creek Uniting Church: Shirley Edbrooke ($50); Betty Hall ($50); Maureen Eades ($50); Brucce & Lyn Cunneen ($40)

$184.63

Lemon Butter Makers

Well done to the Walking team! From the Lemon Butter Making ORCA supporter team

$121

See Above Donees

Donations have been received from the following Albany Creek Uniting Church members. David Hall (son of Sue Hall) $100.00 Anonymous $20.00

$116.05

Sophie Fredericks

$116.05

Linda Rooney

$116.05

Bradon French

$114.40

Lynne Mather

Go ladies...you have my admiration

$114.40

Graeme & Cathy Hall

We'll be following your progress on the trail....

$105.50

Luke & Kylee Mather

$105.50

Anonymous

$105.50

Alison

Thanks Janelle and Sue. You are incredible women. 🙏

$105.50

Bev Bell

Go the girls! Hope you make it to the end and aren’t too exhausted!

$104

Margaret Florence

$101

Heather And Andy

Best of luck to you both!

$100.22

Jessica Pinkerton

$100

George Golding

$100

Caroline Neep

$100

Getaway Trekking Pty Ltd

$100

Anonymous

$100

Leanne Michelle Cox

A very worthwhile cause. Enjoy the experience too.

$100

Cathy D

What an amazing trip. I'll be following your progress

$100

Marion Carberry

$100

Diane Kettleton

$100

Joyce

$95

Ann Harris

$62.50

Helen Milton

$52.75

Margaret Blanch

Best wishes Janelle and Sue. Hope you achieve your fundraising goal!

$52.75

Anonymous

$52.75

Arthur And Beverly Diack

$52.75

Murray Smith

Look after those feet!

$52.75

Jennifer Anderson

Happy to help with this worthy cause

$52.75

Jasmin Cox

Ho-e the walking for ORCA goes well

$52.75

Avryl Gration

Great project Janelle! Well done and enjoy the rest of your pilgrimage. 💖

$52.75

Anonymous

Thank you so much for your dedication to walk for ORCA - such a wonderful commitment! Well d asone!

$52.75

Anonymous

This is fantastic work you two. I am only home late yesterday so catching up on emails now. I hope the transition back home after the Camino walking was not too difficult. Hope you can get the braille machine.

$52

George Golding

$51

Karine Machado

Wow.. this is an incredible experience. Go you people on so much good things.. The world needs more people like you to become more inclusive.. to help breaking down those barriers!!

$50.64

Anonymous

praying for your goal, your health, safety and comfort during your walk

$50.64

Jenny Hodby

$50.64

Paul Walton

$50.64

Glenda M

$50.64

Annie Peterson

$50.64

Shirley Duke

All the best from one of your fellow Camino pals.

$50.64

Robyn

Well done. Hope you enjoyed as much as we did. Paul and Rob

$50.64

Barker Family

Congratulations!

$50.64

Emma And Mark

Well done Janelle! An amazing achievement. Love Emma and Mark

$50

Jill And Peter Trudgian

$50

Lachlan's Grandma

$50

Cheryl Leahy

$50

Cheryl Leahy

$50

Jeanie Jones

$49.92

Tracey Pile

Best wishes Janelle, its a fantastic cause you are raising funds for, good luck with your walk and raising funds xx

$49.92

Kathy Wright

$49.92

Caroline Neep

Well done special ladies!

$48

Pam And Pete Goodfellow

Good luck Janelle

$31.20

Joyce Spry

Go girls!

$21.10

Jen Devine

Hope the walk goes well Janelle & Sue! So proud of you helping to raise money for The ORCA Project! Enjoy the walk!

$21.10

Gordon Armour

Well done Janelle 👏

$20

Mary Chan

$20

Marion And Greg Carberry

$20

Graeme Burzacott

$20

Marion And Greg Carberry

$20

Anonymous

$20

Elizabeth Golding

$10.55

Jess Evans

$10

Carol Olssen

$5

Mary Mortenson