On July 23rd 2003 the 3rd of the Joshua Foundation's " Oz Experience" groups left for Australia- having raised over £60,000 for our work with children who have terminal cancer. This was an exciting adventure- they travelled in two teams, the " Skippies " and the " Wombats".

The group started their adventure by travelling to Heathrow from locations across the UK; flying with Qantas to Melbourne via Bangkok and Singapore.

The first day was spent at the La Trobe University Wildlife Centre where they threw a party for kids with cancer from Victoria and met with some of the cast of Neighbours.

Then it was off on the Puffing Billy trip before the real work began!

The Joshua Foundation continued its links with CVA, Australia's largest conservation organisation and the two teams made their way to Halls Gap and Philip Island respectively. An amazing 1500 trees were planted; penguin boxes were made at the Penguin Interpretative Centre which looks after the largest colony of fairy penguins; fences were erected, a communal garden was mulched and weeded as well as many educational tours and a visit to the historical town of Ballarat which homes Sovereign Hill.

The groups then made their way to Sydney where they took a harbour cruise; visited the Sydney Jewish Museum; took a dip at Bondi and climbed the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was all rounded off with a large party at the Hard Rock Café.

This year we introduced something new…a 2 day stop over in Los Angeles and everyone had so much fun it is back on the agenda next year. Then it was homeward bound. Lots of memories….lots of fun…and as a result, lots of dreams come true for the children with terminal cancer that we help.

The Trustees of the Joshua Foundation would like to extend a very big well done to all the 2003 team and good luck for the future. You know now that here at the Joshua Foundation, " believing you can fly is not just a dream."