We would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge Coal and Allied Community Trust for their long-standing involvement and support of Hunter youth through funding of the Outward Bound Hunter Regional Community Program from 2000 - 2008. A huge thank you to Coal and Allied Community Trust for supporting less-advantaged youth from the Hunter region and leading the way as the first major foundation to partner with Outward Bound.
The Coal & Allied Community Trust is a charitable organisation set up to assist with community initiatives and programs that have significant effect on the communities in which Coal & Allied and its associated Rio Tinto Companies work. In the Hunter Valley Region of NSW where the Trust are based they have supported Outward Bound's Youth Initiative for over 6 years. The initiative has seen over 500 students have the opportunity to attend Foundations and Leadership level programs and has established the Outward Bound Program as part of the youth development strategy of the region promoting healthier and brighter opportunities for young people.
Outward Bound prepares to take part in Oxfam Trailwalker
Over the past few years, Outward Bound staff members have participated in this event. This year Outward Bound Australia has entered a team of four to participate in the Sydney Oxfam Trailwalker on the weekend of 29th - 31st August. Why? To raise money and awareness for Oxfam Australia, who work to fight poverty and injustice in 29 countries around the world, including Indigenous Australia.
The Oxfam Trailwalker is an endurance fundraising event in which teams of four attempt to complete a 100 kilometre bush trail through the National Parks of northern Sydney, all in 48 hours.
In order to take part we have pledged to raise at least $3000 and Outward Bound have various fundraising projects in motion. However, if you are able to make a donation in support of ‘Outward Bound Australia’, please go directly to our teams website www.Oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/207
Outward Bound Australia appreciates your support!
The Outward Bound Australia Oxfam Trailwalker team, 2008. (From left: David Hardegger, Peta Weiss, Annette Lee and Laura Marshall)
Alischa Ross and Dan Adams prove that if you are determined and passionate enough you can do anything. Following other national youth events such as National Youth Week and the 20/20 Youth Summit, the National Aspiring Leaders Summit, hosted by Outward Bound Australia, was launched on Sunday 20th April. Twenty-nine enthusiastic participants, eager to make a difference in their communities, were encouraged by the actions of guest speakers Alischa and Dan to speak up about their ideas and make a difference.
The seven-day summit, which was launched at Birrigai Outdoor School in Canberra, provides the opportunity for participants from around the country to not only express their ideas and opinions but to act on them.
On the 24th March 2008 we celebrated the graduation of the Juliets at Outward Bound National Base, Tharwa. Long and hard continuous months finally paid off for the eleven inspirational individuals as they completed their eight-month internship. It was a day of celebration and staff recognition as family, friends and Outward Bound staff looked on, while the graduating interns touched the hearts of all who were present.
Philip Edwardes, a former Outward Bound staff member, reflects on the uniqueness of Outward Bound and it's people when dealing with an all familiar but challenging experience.
On the weekend I took a group of four kids and one ex student (effectively the same as a ‘gappie) from our school to the Cooleman area to do their Duke of Edinburgh bronze level expedition. This is the first time any sort of Outdoor Education has been attempted at our school in a long time so it was a big thing for parents and students. We camped at Coolamine Mountain campsite (about 6km back along the road from Blue Water Holes) on Sunday night and then set off on our walk along Mosquito Creek Fire Trail looking much like a truncated Outward Bound group with our ex Outward Bound Australia packs, long sleeves and long pants. The day went really well with many "How long till we get there’s? " and equally as many "Let’s look at the map’s." There was much excitement at the many brumbies in the area as two of our kids are ‘horsey’ types.
