Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre, at Gwandalan, is the venue for this year’s NSW Camp Brainwave.

Brainwave Australia is a paediatric charity that provides practical and emotional support for children with neurological conditions, and their families.

The  children are dealing with a range of conditions, such as brain tumours, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism.

Some children have sustained traumatic brain injuries.

Brainwave Australia’s program manager Laurence Hennessy said the camp had an important goal.

“We want to enable Brainwave families to take a break from their routine and leave their worries behind,” Ms Hennessy said.

“It’s also a chance for them to meet new families for a fun weekend that promotes teamwork, builds resilience, and fosters friendship in a safe and supported environment.”

Traditionally, Camp Brainwave has been held at Yarramundi, at the foot of Blue Mountains National Park. 

“This is the first time in five years that we are moving to a new location – we call it our ‘sea change’ adventure,” Ms Hennessy said.

The lakeside location at Point Wolstoncroft, with its lush lawns, quality accommodation and disability-friendly rooms, was an ideal location for the 12 families and siblings to experience a cost-free weekend away, she said.

Families will arrive today and take part in ice breaker games.

Over the weekend, they’ll enjoy canoeing, a giant swing, rock climbing, high and low ropes courses, camp fire singalongs and games.

Brainwave supports 800 families across NSW and Victoria, but receives no government funding.

Instead, it raises money through holding events such as gala dinners, corporate sponsorships, grants received from trusts and foundations, donations and community fundraising.

Apart from hosting family days, day trips and weekend camps, Brainwave Australia provides families with funding for equipment, therapies and necessary assistance “to improve a child’s quality of life”, Ms Hennessy said.