Margaret McDonald assisted me in presenting the John McDonald Memorial Scholarship to Carla Hensel. Carla talked very well about her brother’s battle with cancer leading her into a career in medicine – a great inspiration. We wish Carla all the best with her studies and hope she will have a long term relationship with our club.

John McDonald Scholarship  presented for 2017 to Carla Hensel

Carla Hensel, Year III UNSW Growing up in Albury has impacted my journey into medicine in many ways. I have always had an interest in medicine, but having lived in a regional area and witnessed the importance and challenges of rural health, my passion grew. I believe my strengths that enabled me to obtain entry into medicine will also continue to help me succeed in the future. I have excellent communication skills and will continue to show empathy, compassion and integrity towards my patients.I was privileged to be able to move back home to Albury this year to continue my studies at the UNSW Rural Clinical School. I have always admired Albury’s sense of community which I have experienced in many ways through schooling, family and sporting life. I hope to be able to work in the Albury region in the future, giving back to the community which has already given me so much. Dr John McDonald achieved so much in his time and has clearly left an enduring legacy on the local community. This scholarship will allow me to put further time and commitment into my studies without financial stress, enabling me to achieve my best for the benefit of the wider community.

Guest Speaker Peter Cerexhe spoke on the Border Music Camp which exists to alleviate this for students in the Border district, the Riverina and north-east Victoria. Our aim is that these students may play in an ensemble that can challenge them, while being equal to their musical standard.

The Camp is not just for school-age students, with many adults also attending. Nor, for that matter, is it only for locals. Students regularly attend from Melbourne, Sydney and regional centres; we have had Campers from as far away as Hobart, Perth, Alice Springs and Darwin.

Cate Davis, wife of former Albury Hume member, Ian, was appointed Director in 1977 … one final quote from the archives. Cate Davis, writing in 1986: ‘At Border Music Camp we provide the skilled conductors and tutors, the physical space, equipment and sustenance and the musical scores but ultimately it is the enthusiasm of the students that makes the real music come alive’.