Congratulations to Geoff Fidler who has just returned from conquering the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea and in the process raised over $4k to assist his mate’s family in need. Geoff says his Kokoda experience was a wonderful personal achievement and an experience he will draw on for the rest of his life. His main reason to attempt such an onerous task though was to raise funds for a close friend Kevin, (Aged 44) who passed away in June 2005, leaving wife Anne, and eight well mannered beautiful children. Kevin was self-employed and because he had a pre-existing heart ailment, he was uninsured. In the Spirit of “paying it forward” and in support of Geoff’s efforts, we’d like to extend the invitation to you more… 

We welcome our most recent graduate, Peter Baines, who participated in the NSW Police ANZAC Kokoda Trek 2006.  Peter was a forensics officer in the recent Tsunami doing the important job of identifying victims.  He has since been inspired to open an orphanage in Thailand…congratulations Peter what an amazing achievement!  To contribute to the world through it's children is just fantastic!   Follow the link on the left to find out more about Peter and his amazing charity work. 

We had the pleasure of meeting Julian Burns when he participated in our Kokoda Trek in March 2006.  His amazing tenacity is reflective of what the diggers embraced as their motto “never give up”!  Julian was in the bombing of the Sari club in Bali and received numerous injuries as well as losing many mates.  It is testament to his amazing strength and character that he survived then upon his return he started his own Charity - Julian Burton Burns Trust.   

Neil Jackson of Microsoft (picture here with Dominica Bessie, Director of STOPAIDS Director; Jean Sennett and Phil Meyer also from Microsoft) and all his colleagues who took their Kokoda Challenge to the next level and raised over $13k for charity.  Neil said these funds are going to be split between the Anglicare STOPAIDS testing and counselling facility in Port Moresby and Kokoda Track educational initiatives.  

These include the provision of much needed books, clothing and equipment for children living along the track.  Fantastic effort guys! 

Congratulations also to Kathleen Campbell of Microsoft who completed the Kokoda Trek with us in April 2006.  Kathleen was so inspired by the local people that she decided she would sell some of her fantastic paintings to raise funds to clean up the dilapidated Fuzzy Wuzzy Cemetery (located near the Bomana Cemetery).  

Take a few minutes to view other amazing paintings in Kathleen's gallery and support this great cause. 

In 2001, several passionate business executives decided they would go for a bit of a ride and help some seriously ill children in the process. "A bit of a ride" turned into 630 kilometres, from Dubbo to Sydney, and the Tour de Kids was born.  Andrew Gibbons, who participated in our Kokoda Trek in 2004, was one of them.  

These executives have incorporated their passion for cycling into an annual charity ride that is entirely organised and paid for by the riders themselves.  The money raised is used in an active and ongoing commitment to children based charities such as the Starlight Foundation.  That's the True Aussie Spirit!

Our Spirit is dedicated to improving the way of life for everybody.  We lead by example and encourage our participants to support individual charities.  The following quote, written by Graham Pickles, CEO, Hagemyer - August 2004, summarises Our Spirit's goal to encourage participant's to help others while doing something positive for themselves.

"Aidan has been instrumental in organizing the building of schools and arranging for improvements in access to basic medical treatment for many of the locals who live along the track. He was really excited when I told him of my idea to raise some money, and he suggested that raising money to provide some kids with basic education would be a really worthy cause. I can recommend Aidan and his team as being the most professional operators on the track"