Update 10 December 2020: Ian Curlewis will always be remembered at Outward Bound Australia’s national base at Tharwa. A redbox gum was planted beside the ropes course in his memory by Executive Chair Loren Miller, Board members Jessica Bulger and Simon Crisp and senior staff Helene de Lagillardaie and Forrest Perrin de Graaff. Tim Booth, our tree planting volunteer who has planted over 5000 trees along the Murrumbdigee corridor coordinated the planting.
Let’s hope it grows strong and well and will provide shade for our ropes course participants in years to come.
23 August 2020: Ian Curlewis, Chairman of Outward Bound Australia (OBA) from 1986 – 1991 passed away gracefully on 19 August 2020, just short of his 91st birthday. Farewelled with love by wife, Beverley, and children Amanda, Luisa, Tony, Matthew, and their families.
Son of Sir Adrian Curlewis, who founded OBA in 1956, Ian was Outward Bound to his core. He was instrumental in establishing OBA’s national base at Tharwa, ACT in 1978, a base from which OBA still delivers life-changing programs today.
Former Chair John Atkin said, “Ian was a passionate and dedicated supporter of Outward Bound Australia throughout his life and in his personal life exemplified so much of what we value about Outward Bound”.
Loren Miller, OBA’s current Chair, had this to say on the enormous legacy of Ian Curlewis, “In challenging times like this, communities come together and the passion and commitment to OBA within our community is extraordinary. This is due to the foundations laid by OBA champions, like Ian Curlewis, and his father, Adrian, before him.”
By family request, donations to Outward Bound Australia are thankfully appreciated. In order for your donation to be tax deductible, it will go to the Australian Outward Bound Development Fund, the charity arm of Outward Bound Australia, and a tax receipt will be issued after your donation is processed.
