A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in
what was effectively my first taste of the real Aussie outback, up in the
Flinders Ranges to the far North of the state of South Australia. I was invited
through my contacts at the Operation Flinders to see at first hand how they run
their charitable foundation and support children at risk (more later). I have
taken part for the last 3 years in the excellent Trailblazer challenge and that
is my fundraising for this venture. In 2008 my first year here we entered a
team of 4 and did the 34 k walk. We have now progressed to the 50k challenge,
and I have now roped in 28 walkers for this year and hope to be the largest
company fund raiser for the event and therefore Operation Flinders.
Anyhow we left Sat morning in a 12 seater Cessna from
Adelaide and arrived at Leigh Creek about 75 mins later. We were given a quick
tour of the camp and operational HQ and told all about the operation,
introduced to the staff and volunteers and how they organize the program and go
about challenging the kids aged 13-17 to 8 days and nights out in the Aussie
Outback.
We were taken out into the outback in 4 wheel drive cars
into quite rough terrain and marveled at the endeavor of these guys to have
bought 1000's of acres of land for just $650000 odd (the price of a decent
house in Adelaide). Imagine a plot of land the size of Hertfordshire and
running outward bound campaigns in it during the year.
On the first night we were escorted out by 4 wheel drive
thankfully to a camp where we met some the youngsters and their team leaders
around their camp for the night. We were entertained by an Aboriginal leader
who spoke about their culture, told some stories and sang some traditional
songs to us around the campfire.
I invited my good friend Andrew Tatlock to share with me
in this experience, as he has walked the Trailblazer with me these last 3 years
and know he shares my commitment to help change some of these youngsters lives
and help get them back on the straight and narrow.
One of my most treasured memories from my short time here
in Oz.
For more pictures click here Operation Flinders weekend trip
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