THE AYAC SUPPORT CREW SO FAR HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL TEAM OF HELPFUL, HAPPY PEOPLE. ALTHOUGH THE JOURNEY IS ONLY HALFWAY FINISHED, HERE IS A LITTLE PHOTO ALBUM OF EVERYONE THAT HAS JOINED SO FAR.
I'll start with myself. People call me the general, and boss. I'm the one calling the shots. Treat me as you would like to be treated, and all shall be well.
Next up, Luke Stanley. Luke was part of the original team that drove into Albury on December 15, week 1. Luke was a master of the bbq, a demon on the pool table and a smash hit with the ladies (though he never took the bait) After spending two weeks with us, he headed off to the west coast of Australia for a surfing trip with some mates. Luke was always ready to lend a hand and added much stability to the team. He looks fantastic in an Akubra. One day, he will own a winery on the Margaret River.
Ryan Cropp. Ryan played photographer, DJ, book reviewer and movie critic for a week. He inspired us all to consume more culture and take more photos. Ryan, it was a pleasure.
Katie Hanlon. Katie has been working closely on the trip as accommodation advisor. Katie has worked tirelessly to ensure we have a place to stay and sleep for the night, every night. Katie has a great English accent that ensures people sit up and take notice on the streets. "Exscooze me sir, HIIIIIII!!!! How are ya?! I'm here representing AYAC, care to make a donation?" Here she is in a mosquito net that she got given for her birthday on Jan 1, 2011.
Nick Del Din. The perfect gentleman. What more can we say about you Nick? Nothing is too much to ask. Never a problem. Great singing voice. A catch any lady would be damn lucky to take. Never any trouble. Except for when he stood his ground in a game of backyard cricket, refusing to walk when he was obviously out. Just like the Australian cricket team, he refused to accept that his best was behind him. Here he is with Claire Watts. An asset to any team, Claire is a natural working behind the bbq handling cash with a wink and a smile. Sorely missed, Claire went back to Sydney to make arts and crafts and attend the Flying Lotus gig in Sydney.
Emma Wright. AYAC graphic designer Emma announced herself on the tour with a cocktail of laughs, wine and New Years eve dress. Emma has worked closely with AYAC to develop images and layouts for our promotional material and can I say, what a stellar job she has done.
Mieke and Annelies Van Dam. The "BAM BAM Van Dam sisters" A lethal combination of looks and personality, M and A were an unstoppable force on the ground. And what genuine girls too. They both make me proud to say I am one half Dutch. And yes, we were robbed of the world cup.
Blake Gregory, Tom Mitchell and Ryan Smith. Ill let the pictures do the talking here. Look at the concentration on their faces. Hard workers.
Dan Fogden. Dan had to leave us to begin a career modeling for Calven Klein. If that ever grows old, he'll always have a job working with AYAC. A dab hand on the bbq tools, generous with his time and ever ready to start up a game.
Matt Lausch. Pictured here with Sophie Hanlon. Matt is a great listener and has lent many an ear to people over the course of this trip hearing their personal stories related to cancer. He is an absolute asset. Sophie joined us with her sister Kate and was a pleasure to have around. She can sing, too.
Chris Long. Shlongo. A good time boy who was always ready to get behind the bbq. Here he is pictured looking 'good' in a hat.
Brittany Parker. Fantastic team player, always giving 110%. Made herself known around the Big W Echuca carpark (in a good way)
Rachel Hibbard. Rachel in the red and white dots. Great team player. Credit to the team and to herself. Gave up her new years period to help out a good cause. Respect.
Sarah Middlemiss. Another one who joined us over the new years period. A stellar performer who drew in the crowds at Big W Echuca.
Although we are only halfway there, I can't believe this trip has gone by so quickly. With more people on their way down, I simply can not wait to see what everybody brings to the table. I just know it will be more laughs, smiles and good times. All these people are an absolute credit to AYAC.
Cameron
