Wild at heart on Fraser Island
Luke Miekus (left) and Major Bryce Davies show off their catch on the Fraser Island fishing trip. (Photo supplied by Brisbane Streetlevel Mission)
Whale spotting, sharing spiritual experiences – and getting stuck in sand – were all good fun on Brisbane Streetlevel’s annual Fraser Island fishing trip.
“Most of the guys have never experienced anything like this, especially in a drug and alcohol-free environment and a healthy Christian culture,” says Major Bryce Davies, Brisbane Streetlevel Mission team leader.
“I didn’t grow up going camping and fishing either, so it’s unique for me too. It’s a great experience for all of us.”
Twelve people made up the Streetlevel group for the 17 to 24 August trip. The adventurous team included Major Davies, Streetlevel outreach worker Paul Maunder, Ross Garling from Brisbane High Rise Rotary Club who sponsored the trip, and John Allen, a regular Streetlevel supporter and volunteer. Joining them were eight others who are part of the Streetlevel community and at various stages of recovery or restoration from homelessness.
The group caught bait and fish, went four-wheel driving and swimming in stunning Lake Mckenzie – and all relished in God’s creations. They also got three vehicles bogged in the sand, which turned out to be a fun team-building exercise. The group also saw some breathtaking sunrises, spotted whales, turtles and dolphins, and enjoyed magnificent food.
“We had a sharing time each day, talked about how we were going, and also had a devotion,” says Major Davies.
“We’d given each of the guys a copy of John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart book, and as the week went along, we chatted about what we were reading and some of the challenges we too were facing as Christian men.”
Everyone on the trip loved the experience.
“There was a great sense of camaraderie, of brotherhood, and we deepened and strengthened our relationships,” says Major Bryce. “We were building community.
“Our great, shared and spiritual experiences helped us all to believe more deeply in a big and loving God.”
The group, who camped at beautiful Dundubara on the Island, used the emergency services trailer, complete with a barbecue, gas lines, pizza oven, lighting and workbench.
The local branch of real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle provided vouchers to the Boating Camping Fishing store for prizes and extra equipment and supplies.
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