A community hero bringing light to families facing childhood cancer

In a world where hardship often overshadows hope, Julie Redfern stands as a beacon of compassion and unwavering dedication. As the National Family Support Manager at Camp Quality, Julie has spent over 13 years helping families navigate the unimaginable journey of childhood cancer, offering support, joy, and connection.

A mother of two grown children, Julie brings empathy and heart to every interaction, deeply moved by the strength and courage of the families she serves. “I never want to imagine the journey our families are on,” she says, “but I’m constantly inspired by their resilience and the way they continue to try and find joy in the darkest moments.”

Her role at Camp Quality is multifaceted and fast-paced, overseeing a suite of family support services that touch thousands of lives each year. From onboarding over 1,300 new families annually to managing the ever-growing Getaway program, Julie ensures that families facing cancer have access to meaningful experiences that offer respite and reconnection. In 2025 alone, nearly 750 families will enjoy a Getaway, thanks in large part to Julie’s leadership.

But Julie’s impact goes far beyond logistics. She is the emotional anchor for families during their most vulnerable moments. One story that has stayed with her is of a family with three children, separated by hospital stays and the demands of daily life. Camp Quality arranged a Getaway for them, and during that trip, their child was able to swim for the first time since diagnosis.

“Seeing the smiles on their faces, especially their child’s joy in the water, was just incredible,” Julie recalls. “We’re not just giving families a break, we’re helping them reconnect, heal, and create memories they’ll cherish forever.”

Julie’s work also includes overseeing Camp Quality’s Emergency Funding program, which supports palliative and bereaved families with experiences that bring comfort and meaning during the most difficult stages of their journey. Whether it’s a photography session or a short holiday, these moments become treasured lifelines for families in crisis.

The emotional toll of this work can be significant. Julie often speaks with families facing terminal diagnoses, offering empathy and support in conversations that are both heartbreaking and deeply human. “It’s emotionally taxing at times,” she admits, “but what keeps me going is knowing the difference we make.”

That difference is measured not just in numbers, but in heartfelt messages from families who’ve attended Camp Quality programs. Independent evaluations show that these experiences reduce isolation, strengthen resilience, and improve family connections. As one parent, Peter Northey, shared: “After months of hospital visits and stress, [the Getaway] gave us a chance to just breathe, laugh and spend time together as a family again. Those memories will stay with us forever.”

Julie’s vision for the future is clear: she hopes that one day, Camp Quality’s services won’t be needed because cancer will be eradicated. Until then, she’s committed to expanding access to Getaways and other support programs so that every family facing a diagnosis can find moments of joy and relief.

At the heart of Julie’s work is a deep belief in the power of community. Camp Quality’s programs thrive thanks to partnerships with organisations like NRMA, and the generosity of volunteers and donors.

Events like Camp Out which is held across more than 50 NRMA Parks & Resorts, bring communities together for a night under the stars, with 50% of campsite sales donated to fund Family Getaways. “Community is at the heart of everything we do,” Julie says. “It’s this spirit of connection that makes the memories so lasting and the impact so powerful.”

Julie also ensures that families have a voice in shaping Camp Quality’s programs. Through surveys, a Family Advisory Committee, and a Voice of the Children Committee, she listens and adapts, making sure the organisation’s offerings reflect real needs and desires.

In every sense, Julie Redfern is a community hero. Her work doesn’t just support families, it uplifts them, offering light in the darkest times. Through her leadership, empathy, and tireless commitment, she has helped transform Camp Quality into a sanctuary of joy, resilience, and hope for families across Australia.

And in doing so, she reminds us all of the extraordinary power of kindness, and the profound impact one person can have when they choose to walk alongside others in their time of need.

Camp Out is on Saturday 25th October! Book your stay or learn more here.>