V
PUMP
The Samford Progress Association’s free community newspaper printed continuously since 1977.
The ILLAGE
@TheVillagePumpSamford
“Your Community Newspaper, owned by the Samford Community and produced for the benefit of the Samford Community.” 27 OCTOBER, 2023
P: 0477 663 696
E: editor@villagepump.org.au NEXT DEADLINE THURSDAY 02/11/2023
NUCLEAR DISASTER SURVIVORS HOSTED A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY SHOWS HOW SAMFORD STEPPED UP TO ASSIST At a recent meeting with David Reed at the Samford Scouts grounds in Cash Avneue, this fascinating piece of local history was highlighted. We asked David to find out more, so we could share it with you. In April 1986, a nuclear reactor at the Chernobyl power station in Ukraine exploded sending radioactive materials into the environment across many parts of Europe. A vast number of local people were affected by the fallout, especially children, who developed radiation sickness, malnutrition and the inability to experience a balanced diet. Many of their staple foods (milk, fruit, vegetables) were irradiated adding to their overall health conditions. UNESCO, together with the Soviet Children’s Fund and the World Scout Bureau, established a program to bring children to various countries to remove them from their local environment and improve their physical and mental health. In 1992, the Scout Queensland Branch hosted 67 of these children with
Scouting families in South-East Queensland. Their stay also included an activity camp for the children at Scout Queensland’s BadenPowell Park in Samford. A wide range of activities were arranged for the children, including canoeing, abseiling, art and craft, orienteering, tree planting and a cooee
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competition. For many it was the first time that they had camped out under canvas. The experience provided by the Scouts created a stable opportunity for the children to be clothed, have regular rest, experience Australian food and integrate into Australian family life. Some Scout families even ‘twinned’ together to ensure that the children still had regular contact with each other after their stay and as their homeland lives continued. 41 years later, the area where the children camped is now known as Chernobyl Glade and a special gateway, pictured here, marks the site entry. The Gateway stands to commemorate this event and the many Scout Leaders, families and people of Samford who supported the children of Chernobyl. David Reed