STARTED by two teenage girls with big hearts back in 1993 was the annual Hamilton Challenge Camp, established to give kids with cancer or serious illnesses, between the ages of 8 and 12, a taste of country life.

Kylie Shanahan and Sarah Mellington were Monivae College students at the time and decided to base their Year 11 Communication Project on the “Challenge” bringing kids mostly from Melbourne to the area for new experiences.

Running for more than 25 years, the camp became hugely successful, bringing between 30 and 40 children to Hamilton each year to experience activities like motorbike riding, grass tobogganing, flights over Hamilton, farm visits, lunch in the Grampians, go-karting and more.

As a farm girl herself, Ms Mellington always had a strong commitment to those with special needs. She now works in Ohio as an education consultant.

Likewise, Ms Shannahan had a heart for giving seriously sick children a happy memory.

The two girls would both eventually win Southern Grampians Shire Council Citizen of the Year awards for their charitable endeavours.

Taking over as camp co-ordinator in 2002, Anne Hayes confirmed the Challenge Camp would no longer proceed following a hiatus through COVID, and increased insurances and restrictions.

Rotary Hamilton was a co-contributor with president, Noel Howard, saying it was sad that it couldn’t continue any longer.

“They would come for the weekend and forget about things for a few days,” he said.

“We did the Friday night activities at the Grangeburn Bowling Club and did the meal for them.

“Other community groups - the motorcycle riders used to take them for a trip up to Halls Gap for a day out.

“They went out to the aero club.

“They visited Duyvestyn’s farm down at Macarthur.

“It was a pretty big affair - the kids really loved it.”

He said sadly because of COVID, insurance and risk management, continuing the camp was increasingly challenging.

“It was just getting too difficult,” Mr Howard said.

He said the Rotary Club of Hamilton would like to thank all the local organisations that contributed to the weekend challenge.

Special mention went to Hamilton Lions Club, Hamilton Rotary, The Hamilton and Alexandra College for the use of their boarding house, many generous business donors, those who opened their farm gates so children could cook damper, have carriage rides, pony rides and interact with farm animals, and the many members of the community who gave their time.

“Thank you to everyone involved,” Mr Howard said.