98-year old Dawn is keeping her birthday tradition alive with Birubi Beach camel ride

NINETY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Dawn Byatt has a dream of riding a camel at Birubi Beach each year on her birthday, for as long as she’s able to.

Last week carers, family and Oakfield Ranch staff worked together to make Dawn’s dream come true.

“It was so wonderful, I love the camels,” Dawn said.

“Thank you everyone for making it possible.”

Dawn is an animal lover who first saw the camels at Birubi Beach in 2021 and had her first ride the following year at the age of 95.

Each year since then she has been determined to return.

“The staff from Oakfield Ranch have been wonderful and have helped Dawn walk from the car to the camels,” Dawn’s full-time carer, Heather, told News Of The Area.

This year the rain made it difficult for Dawn to get to the beach, but they planned with the staff of Oakfield Ranch to make it possible.

“With the help of two wonderful ladies – friend Mel and carer Gayle – Dawn walked, using her wheelie walker,” Heather said.

“When nearing the camels van Luke, Jordan and Emily from Oakfield Ranch took over and assisted Dawn to and from the camels.

“Dawn was totally exhausted but elated!”

Heather said Dawn will talk about her camel ride many times over.

“A little effort can have a big impact,” she said.

“Dawn is constantly in pain and has spent most of the year mobilising in a wheelchair, but this ride meant so much to her.”

By Cosette DE LORENZO