Travelling 6,103km up the coast of Queensland to the tip of Australia was only part of the adventure for GM Strategy and Development in our Water business, Andy Draper and his family. 

Andy, wife Kanani and their four kids travelled through the Mareeba Atherton tablelands and a number of national parks, along many 4WD drive tracks including the Old Telegraph Track right up to Bamaga, the northern most point of Australia.  

Upon returning Andy and Kanani say that perhaps the top highlight of the trip wasn't the beautiful scenery, or the unique flora and fauna, or even the time off work. 

"Through the initiative of our daughter Camden, we facilitated the donation of over 300 toothbrushes to the Laura Primary Health Clinic, 250km north of Port Douglas in remote North Queensland," Andy says.  "This donation supports their oral hygiene program, which targets Indigenous youth in the region that spans more than 45,000 sq kms." 
 

^{Pictured: Andy Draper, GM Strategy and Development in Ventia's Water business, with his wife Kanani and four children.} 

Andy says the donation wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of his Ventia network, among others.

I reached out to my network across Ventia, and it was great to see so many support this initiative. 

Camden Draper championed the toothbrush-raising exercise, and her parents say they were surprised, delighted and excited by both the amount of support Camden received, and even the number of donors who considered the environment and donated bamboo toothbrushes!

"Dr Guy from the clinic told us that 300 toothbrushes would last the clinic a year… and they were incredibly grateful," Kanani says. "Blown away were the words he used."
 

^{Pictured: Andy and family travelled along many 4WD drive tracks including the Old Telegraph Track right up to Bamaga, the northern most point of Australia.}  

Kanani and Andy say the clinic's set up is first rate. They appreciated the opportunity to learn about the logistics of supporting this huge and remote region. Spending some time with the locals sharing stories and learning more about the services they provide and how they spend their down time.

"Facilitating the toothbrush delivery was only a small thing, but it was deeply appreciated," Kanani says.

It was a great reminder that sometimes it really is the little things that count.

Today is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day. Children's Day is a time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities and all Australians, celebrate the strengths and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child. Children's Day has been run annually since 1988 and is the initiative of SNAICC - National Voice for our Children.