Our History

Camp Breakaway was conceived in 1982 when members of the Rotary Club in Wyong on the Central Coast of NSW convened a holiday camp for thirty young people with physical disabilities. This camp was held at Strathavon Heritage Resort at Wyong.

Following the overwhelming success of this camp and the realisation of the compound benefits for young people with disabilities, their carers and for the wider community, Wyong Rotary commenced to hold camps each year. For several years these camps were held at Camp Toukley.

The observed need for these respite camps became ever increasingly obvious as time went on, as was the need to have a permanent campsite - specifically designed for the purpose. With that and the vision, dedication and hard work of a large number of Rotary clubs and the Central Coast community, along with generous support from Delta Electricity, the establishment of Camp Breakaway at San Remo was established. The first camp was held in 1989.

Today, Camp Breakaway continues to facilitate these camps on 11.55 ideally situated, picturesque and quiet hectares at San Remo and holds fast to ever enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.

Timeline

1982

First camp held at Strathavon Heritage Resort, Wyong

1989

Moved to San Remo

1993

Breakaway Lodge opened

1994

Hundreds of fire-fighters housed at Camp Breakaway during major bushfires

1998

Tomago detainees erect 320 metre fence around Camp Breakaway site

2000

New adventure course opened

2001

Started High Needs Family Camps

2002

Year of the Outback Camp held in Brewarrina

2003

Introduced Smith-Magenis Syndrome Camps

2007

Hundreds of SES volunteers housed at Camp Breakaway due to major floods

Liberty Swing installed and new laundry opened

2008

Started Young Carers and Siblings Camps

2009

Introduced Kids Only Camps

2010

Jumping Pillow opened

2011

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Sensory Trail re-opened