The Oz Experience 2008 continues as one of our major fundraisers, once again taking over 130 team members from schools across the UK to Australia. This year team members were divided into 5 teams; the Koalas, Skippies, Wombats, Dingoes and Possums.

The Koalas and Skippies left Heathrow on the 22nd July flying with Virgin Atlantic. They stayed together at the YMCA Salisbury in Hong Kong for their stopover. Everyone went out for food and watched the world’s largest permanent laser show “A Symphony of Lights” which covers 44 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

The next morning both teams embarked on a private tour of Hong Kong Island taking in Aberdeen Fishing Village, Stanley Market and a tram ride on the Peak Tram to the Sky Terrace to take some photos of the city. Many of the team members enjoyed an optional trip on a SamPan boat at Aberdeen.

The teams then flew on to Sydney arriving in pouring rain at 5,30am – a big contrast to the stifling heat of Hong Kong. The two teams then parted ways, Skippies heading to Newcastle and the Koalas to Wollongong. They spent a few days in their respective cities getting over their jet lag and taking in the sights and culture of Australia.

Once they were revitalised the teams left for their conservation work – what the Oz Experience is all about! This was an eye opener for all concerned, with the wildlife getting ‘up close and personal’. UGG the kangaroo and the mad emus in Woy Woy being the better ones, but also some heat-seeking spiders in Chakola. We are thinking of starting “I’m an Oz kid – Get me out of here!” The Skippies were at the Australian Walkabout Centre clearing an aboriginal site and undertaking numerous track maintenance projects. The Koalas stayed at Chakola and spent time at Berrima clearing ivy from the creek line and in Chakola clearing weeds by cutting and poisoning the roots. Both teams had memorable final nights in their conservation venues; the Skippies had a special party to celebrate the 1st August being 10 years since Joshua had asked Sarah to organise for children from his oncology unit to go to Planet Hollywood in London for a meal (The true beginning of the Foundation). The Koalas, whilst in the middle of a power cut, enjoyed a cake made by Brendan and talked and shared some lovely experiences.

The two teams met up again in Sydney, staying in Sydney Central YHA. For the first time Oz members climbed the Harbour Bridge by night.

Other highlights included a visit to the Sydney Jewish Museum which had opened especially for us despite being closed for refurbishment. A talk was given by a 88 year old survivor from the Holcaust, a very moving and grounding experience for all concerned. There were trips to Manley, Bondi beach, the Rocks, Darling Harbour and the Opera House and an exhilarating ride on the Oz jets for those who were up for it. Everyone took part in the all-you-can-eat buffet in the Sydney Revolving Tower Restaurant as well as the Farewell Meal aboard MV Sydney 2000 which provided a dinner cruise around the harbour. The Hard Rock Café in Sydney, our usual venue for our Farewell Meal has closed but we feel this has been surpassed by this fantastic dinner cruise.

The majority of the Koalas returned to the UK on the 9th August leaving 3 members of their team and all of the Skippies to continue their own onward travels in Australia.

Once again team members were a credit to the Foundation with their fundraising efforts prior to the trip and their actions whilst in Hong Kong and Australia.

Of course this is only the beginning, whilst the trip is over for the Koalas and Skippies, the Wombats, Dingoes and Possums are chomping at the bit ready for their departure on 17th, 18th and 19th August respectively. The rest of this report will be written on their return.