The journey based Outdoor Education program which the students attend is facilitated by Outward Bound and included adventures such as abseiling, rock climbing, raft building and camping in the Australian bush without tents; not to mention navigating and hiking through some of Australia's most remote, historically rich and beautiful scenery.

In 2002, the Mildura Sunraysia Community Partnership was born through the vision of Robert Biggs, Principal of Irymple Secondary College and the Australian Outward Bound Development Fund as part of the broader Sunraysia Mallee Smart Schools Network agenda to assist in the 'Building of Resilient Communities'.

Three year sponsorships from State Street Foundation enabled the program to get off the ground in 2002 with four participating secondary colleges; Irymple, Chaffey, Robinvale and Mannangatang.Since then, various generous sponsors such as Equity Trustees, The Trust Company, HBOS Foundation, Danks Trust, State Street Foundation and Thyne Reid have provided sponsorship to enable the program to continue. Local sponsorship from individuals and organisations with a vested interest in the community are being sought out to secure the future of the program and potentially open up the opportunity for more students to participate.

2006 saw an unprecedented demand and created the opportunity for Outward Bound to offer the Koorie Open Door Education (KODE) School and Murrayville Community College places on the Outward Bound program.

They have spoken about it in superlatives, and I believe have inspired other students to want to participate next year. Hilary Thiele, Principal of Murrayville Community College said about the students who participated in the 2006 program.

Last year was the first time students from my school had participated in an Outward Bound adventure. What we hear from these students is an advocacy and enthusiasm for what they obviously now realise and appreciate was a great adventure. I expect years from now the Outward Bound adventure will be a common reference point in the lives of a community of people.Robert Biggs - Principal Irymple Secondary College, Mildura. 

This project has been made possible due to the generous support of the State Street Foundation, HBOS Australia and the Sunraysia Area Consultative Committee who have been instrumental in promoting the program and coordinating local fundraising efforts.

Scholarships are available for all year 9 students in the Mildura Sunraysia Region, however places are limited so apply now by completing an Application Form.

If your school or organisation is interested in getting involved in a project in your area please contact the Regional Partnerships Coordinator.