Around 14 years ago, long time Canberran and then Australian Public Service employee and Army Reserve Member Chris Hanger, read an email from a colleague that Camp Quality desperately needed male volunteers.
“My kids were fairly grown up and independent, so I thought ‘why not give something back’ to the community,” Mr Hanger says.
“Especially since through luck, neither me nor my children had cancer as a child … and I thought that if I can help these kids smile, why not?!”
Mr Hanger has volunteered with Camp Quality as a ‘Companion’, who is assigned to a small number of children for the duration of the camp; a ‘Rover’, who helps the companions when an additional volunteer is needed for certain cares or tasks; or a Camp Photographer.
Camp Quality is a national not for profit organisation whose mission is to provide ‘positivity, fun and laughter’ to kids aged 0-15 facing cancer.
More than 565 registered volunteers help make that possible across Australia and in 2025, volunteers gave 38,795 hours of their time to support children and families through Camp Quality programs.
Over the past year, Mr Hanger has supported programs across Southern NSW, Sydney and Queensland, always putting his hand up when help is needed. In recognition of this, he was recently the recipient of the 2026 Gillard Volunteer of the Year for the Southern NSW/ACT region.
Known for his positivity and adventurous spirit, Mr Hanger frequently arrives with a backpack full of games, bubbles and jokes, helping children feel confident, included and ready to join in.
“I love the fact that I can brighten their day even for a little bit. That makes me feel awesome,” he says.
Whether he is arriving early, capturing special moments on camera, or quietly supporting the team, colleagues report that Mr Hanger consistently makes a meaningful difference.
When asked how often he is away on camps, he responds without missing a beat, “Not enough!”
And why does this now Grandpa keep going back?
“There is such a lot of satisfaction, and it is so very rewarding when you see the children achieve something or get challenged, like on the high ropes or vertical challenge,” he says.
On receiving the award, Mr Hanger says it was a big surprise.
“I don’t do what I do for the awards,” he says.
“It’s all about focusing on the kids, and the joy I get from seeing them smile and in working with such a great organisation.”
“But it is nice to be recognised.”
