Konrad was just 10 years old when he attended his first Kookaburra Kids camp, our very first camp back in 2002. Growing up, life felt unstable. His mum was living with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and spent long periods in hospital, and Konrad carried worries no child should have to carry.

At camp, something shifted.

With the support of caring volunteers and trusted adults, Konrad began to understand that what was happening at home wasn’t his fault. Over five camps, he built confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, and found space to just be a kid.

Today, Konrad is 31, runs his own successful massage therapy and recovery clinic, and has a strong, loving relationship with his mum.

“I was able to do my own healing, knowing it wasn’t my fault — and it wasn’t hers either.”

Konrad’s journey has now come full circle. He’s returned to Kookaburra Kids as a volunteer, driven by a desire to show young people that life doesn’t have to stay the way it is.

“I want young people to know they can choose their own path.”

As we look ahead, we’re inviting more caring adults to join our volunteer community and help create safe, supportive spaces for young people impacted by family mental illness.