The summer 2005 Oz Experience trip was the highlight of the Joshua Foundation’s fundraising calendar. 107 youngsters from schools across the U.K travelled down-under for the trip of a lifetime and in the process raised considerable funds for the work of the charity with children with terminal cancer.

The youngsters travelled in 5 teams, leaving the U.K on July 6th and 20th. The groups flew with Emirates, taking in a quick stop at Dubai Airport before landing in Singapore for a night stop over. The heat was amazing and to cool down the groups headed for the riverside for a whistle stop tour of this fabulous city. Some were even brave enough to take part in a bungee jump!

Then it was off to Australia. The groups flew into either Melbourne or Brisbane for a few days orientation in the land of Kangaroos.

For the Melbourne crews there was a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital to take gifts to the kids with cancer and the ride on the Puffing Billy Steam Train in the Dandegong Ranges. Meanwhile the Brisbane crew made a visit to the infamous Steve Irwin Zoo- and the man himself was on hand celebrating his daughter’s birthday as only Steve Irwin could- with his hand in the mouth of a crocodile.

Then the work began and this year the groups truly did work for their keep. Hand in hand with Conservation Volunteers Australia, our groups planted over 30,000 trees; pulled enough Lantana to fill a small state and built tracks and pathways in national parks. One group even celebrated National Tree Planting Day working with Australian youngsters, both fit and physically challenged.

Two groups were the first youngsters to work on the Joshua Foundation Australia’s land at Kooralbyn, Queensland. These intrepid youngsters cleared land for the start of work on the Gilgal Resort over the next few years.

We picked them all up of the floor after their work and took them to the jewel of Australia- Sydney. The groups all had a chance to relax and take in some sights. There was the trip to the Blue Mountains which continued the environmental aspect of the trip; the now annual visit to the impressive Jewish Museum where we renewed old friendships and the fabulous climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Some more daring team members also took to the water in the Harbour Jet which meant seeing Sydney from all angles!

It was all rounded off with a meal at the Hard Rock Café and the chance to say goodbye to some wonderful friends and remember some fantastic experiences.

2005 Oz Teams- you were stars and we will never forget you for all the hard work and fun!

For more information about the Oz Experience, visit the oz experience website