Oxfam Australia http://www.oxfam.org.au/ Oxfam Australia en-us Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:54:32 +1100 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:54:32 +1100 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Oxfam Australia webeditor@oxfam.org.au toms@oxfam.org.au Oxfam Australia http://www.oxfam.org.au/images/oxfamauslogo.gif http://www.oxfam.org.au Oxfam TRAILWALKER Sydney 2008 Awards Night! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id810 <p>The annual Trailwalker Awards Night is on tonight at Darling Harbour.&nbsp; RSVPs are now closed as we are at capacity (!)&nbsp;and details follow for teams that have confirmed their attendance:</p> <p><strong>When</strong> : Monday 3 November 6pm &ndash; 8.30 pm <br /><strong>Location</strong>: Star Room, Level 6, The IMAX Theatre Complex Darling Harbour <br /></p> Mon, 3 Nov 2008 09:11:54 +1100 Sydney team wins Oxfam TRAILWALKER Sydney and fundraising set for another record with over $2 million raised http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id801 <strong>Adam Carter, Ian Stewart, Paul O'Connor and Toby Cogley</strong> have won the Oxfam TRAILWALKER Sydney 2008, completing the 100km trail from Brooklyn to Mosman in just 14 hours and 24 minutes. <br /><br />The team are from Paddy Pallin, one of the national sponsors of the Oxfam TRAILWALKER, and crossed the finish line just before 9:30pm on Friday evening, averaging a speed of approximately 7km an hour through the difficult terrain between Brooklyn and Mosman. <br /><br />Team leader Toby Cogley has completed seven Oxfam TRAILWALKER challenges and said that as well as having the fastest time, he felt at his best at the completion of this event. <br /><br />&ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t felt this good in the event ever. I enjoyed 80 percent of the walk, and only suffered 20 per cent, and in the past it has been almost the opposite. I love the event &ndash; the charity, the teamwork and the fundraising &ndash; that&rsquo;s why I keep coming back.&rdquo; <br /><br />Most of the 2000 participants, who walk in teams of four, are &lsquo;ordinary&rsquo; people; mothers, students, businessmen, trades people, lawyers and even a politician are some of the ordinary people achieving the extraordinary in aid of Oxfam Australia. <br /><br />&ldquo;We reversed last year&rsquo;s course after participant&rsquo;s feedback, said <strong>Andy Mein, Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney Coordinator</strong> &ldquo;It was still challenging but 240 teams finished with all four members and 77% of walkers reached the finish line which is a huge improvement on last year when a lot more of the participants retired.&rdquo; <br /><br /><strong>Kathy McLinden, Oxfam&rsquo;s National Event Coordinator</strong> says: &quot;I'd like to thank all the walkers for their dedication and training in preparation for this year&rsquo;s challenging trail. There were also 600 amazing volunteers covering 700 shifts over the weekend that I'd like to acknowledge. They always had a smile and words of encouragement for the walkers even in the middle of the night. We have raised over $2.2 million so far and I would like to thank the many supporters of Oxfam Trailwalker 2008 who have donated to the teams. Please keep those donations coming in!&quot; <br /><br />TRAILWALKER was launched in Belgium on Saturday, adding to the list of countries where it takes place including New Zealand, UK, Hong Kong, Japan and both Sydney and Melbourne. <br /><br />Oxfam TRAILWALKER Sydney 2008 marks the 10th anniversary of the event, and having done the event seven times Toby has some advice for other veterans of the challenge. <br /><br />&ldquo;If you do it often enough, you might get lucky once!&rdquo; says Toby Cogley.<br /><br />Friends, family and fans can make donations through the Oxfam TRAILWALKER website at <strong>oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney</strong> . Mon, 1 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Biscuits and bankers http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id791 <p>I&rsquo;m rather partial to donuts and Tim Tams, but if all you&rsquo;re doing is writing news items for Oxfam TRAILWALKER, they can have an expansive effect on your waistline. However, if you combine Donuts and Tim Tams with the TRAILWALKER event, then it&rsquo;s guilt-free eating. <br /><br />Donuts and Tim Tams are one of five teams who have pledged to raise $25,000 or more in this year&rsquo;s event. The team is representing Macquarie Bank and Arnotts (hence their team name) and includes the appropriately-named Rodney Walker. Rodney was a member of the all time highest fundraising team in Australia, raising over $80,000 for Melbourne TRAILWALKER in 2007. <br /><br />Not only did&nbsp;Rodney's new&nbsp;team complete the trail in 42nd place, but they&rsquo;ve also surpassed their target. Congratulations lads. But why stop there? How much can this team raise? Why not contribute to another record? <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/233">Sponsor Donuts and Tim Tams</a> and reward yourself with one of Australia&rsquo;s most recognised chocolate biscuits.</p> <p><img height="375" alt="Team Donuts and Tim Tams" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2809666685_d75e4dbf44.jpg?v=0" width="500" border="0" /></p> Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 O great hundred http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id798 There are approximately 120 teams still walking (at 9:28 pm). We (the web loggers) really admire their persistence and stamina. This is what Wikipedia has to say about the number 120: <br /><br />120 is the natural number following 119 and preceding 121. 120 was known as &quot;the great hundred&quot;, especially prior to the year 1700, from the Teutonic Hundert which equalled 120. The number 100, now known commonly as &quot;one hundred&quot; was then known as &quot;the small hundred&quot;. <br /><br />The term &ldquo;great hundred&rdquo; seems appropriate, especially as something as laid-back as web logging is becoming difficult at this hour. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:08:17 +1000 A fair trade between TRAILWALKERS http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id799 As Oxfam Australia TRAILWALKER comes to a close in Sydney, a new TRAILWALKER chapter is being opened by Oxfam in Belgium. This group challenge will take place in the magnificent surroundings of High Fens (Haute Fagnes in Liege, Belgium); starting and finishing in Eupen. In addition to the physical preparations for this 100 km walk, each participating team will have to collect a minimum of 1,500 euros for the Oxfam-Solidarity project. <br /><br />Belgium is also famous for its wonderful chocolate which can be purchased from your nearest Oxfam Shop. Fairtrade chocolate of course. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:08:01 +1000 When the rain comes ... http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id794 <p>It&rsquo;s raining, it&rsquo;s pouring, a number of Trailwalkers are snoring, but there are still a bunch of them out there walking. Best get your wellies on.</p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:08:45 +1000 Picture this http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id795 <p><img height="375" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2808736938_4035e0827b.jpg?v=0" width="500" border="0" /></p> <p>This is semaphore for &quot;Make Poverty History&quot;.</p> <p><img height="375" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2808692892_ed71d02db3.jpg?v=0" width="500" border="0" /></p> <p>These walkers are keeping us in suspense.</p> <p><img height="375" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2808618924_8365201f2a.jpg?v=0" width="500" border="0" /></p> <p>Trailwalking? Kuh! We're trailrunners!</p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:08:19 +1000 They're out there ... still http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id792 Just under 200 teams are still on the trail. Track your favourite team&rsquo;s progress by searching for them on the <a href="http://www.taylormade.com.au/TrailWalker/Sydney2008/teamSummary.asp">team results page</a>, or support them via their <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/teamspace/">team page</a>. <br /><br />By supporting your favourite team, you can also support Oxfam Australia&rsquo;s work in helping to close the gap between the life-expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:08:25 +1000 Not hopping, walking http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id793 <p>Some say that you can reduce your carbon footprint simply by hopping. Certainly, you can&rsquo;t reduce your carbon footprint by simply hoping, so it&rsquo;s great to see a team getting out there and showing us how far you can get on shank&rsquo;s pony alone. <br /><br />Team No Carbon Footprints have left their running-shoe footprints over 100 kilometres of the Sydney trail, and did so in an impressive 22 hours and 7 minutes which put them in 43rd place. Also impressive is their fundraising total of $9,401 (at the time of writing). <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/49">Help them reach their target of $10,000</a>.</p> <p><img height="375" alt="Team No Carbon Footprints" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2808391126_96286d22e1.jpg?v=0" width="500" border="0" /></p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:08:08 +1000 He's a truck-drivin' man http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id789 Organising Oxfam TRAILWALKER is an immense logistical challenge, and relies on the support of its principal sponsor global financial organisation State Street as well as nearly 700 volunteers who work in 40 different roles such as trail marshals, drivers and physiotherapists. <br /><br />Today&rsquo;s volunteer in the spotlight is Michael Coleman. A veteran of more than ten Oxfam TRAILWALKER events, Michael is responsible for helping to transport much of the equipment required for the various checkpoints along the trail. A mild mannered man of logistics by day, Michael transforms himself into a truck driver of immeasurable skill during TRAILWALKER hours, especially as he has to navigate the ruthless Sydney traffic which can be somewhat daunting to a humble Melbournian. <br /><br />Michael is the only person in the world to possess the full set of Oxfam Australia TRAILWALKER volunteer t-shirts. <br /><br />Unfortunately you can&rsquo;t donate directly to Michael, but you could always show your appreciation by <a href="https://www.oxfam.org.au/donate/twpaymentevent.php?EventState=NSW">making a general donation</a> to Oxfam TRAILWALKER. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:08:21 +1000 I trailwalk in your general direction http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id790 The Trojan Rabbits attempted to complete the Oxfam TRAILWALKER event by stealth, only you, Sir Galahad and I forgot to get into the rabbit. As a result, the outrageous-accented French still hold the castle. <br /><br />Even if the French already have a holy grail, the Trojan Rabbits now have their own. They completed the holy grail of endurance team events, and walked 100 kilometres in 28 hours and 29 minutes. Excellent work folks. Maybe next year you might like to try a giant badger. <br /><br />While laying siege to a French castle in England is challenging, donating to the Trojan Rabbits is not. Please <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/430">support them in their quest for the grail</a>. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:08:08 +1000 Good supports are good sports http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id787 <p>Oxfam TRAILWALKER support is a gruelling event over forty-eight hours. The mad rush from checkpoint to checkpoint, and the constant need to keep one&rsquo;s team positive, results in trying the patience of all involved.</p> <p>Thankfully the weather for 2008 Sydney TRAILWALKER has remained pleasant and generally sunny. Support crews in previous years have endured driving rain and harsh winds, not to mention grumpy team members afflicted by blisters and tiredness.</p> <p>Nevertheless, the often unsung heroes of TRAILWALKER can be happy in the knowledge that their efforts contribute to Oxfam Australia&rsquo;s work in 28 countries &ndash; across <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.au/world/asia/">East Asia</a> and <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.au/world/sthasia/">South Asia</a>, <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.au/world/africa/">Southern Africa</a>, the <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.au/world/pacific/">Pacific</a> and <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.au/world/pacific/australia/">Indigenous Australia</a> &ndash; with the objective of overcoming poverty and injustice.</p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:08:41 +1000 Spare us Sons and Daughters, make way for Dads and Daughters http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id788 <p>At 10:43 this morning, the Dads and Daughters team crossed the finish line in an admirable time of 26 hours and 13 minutes, putting them equal 109th place out of 521 teams. They are now enjoying a well-earned rest. <br /><br />Rumour has it that daughters Christine King (health analyst) and Nicole Williams (doctor) gave the team the all-clear in terms of health, while hypnotherapist and father Geoffrey Williams ensured they all enjoyed a deep, deep sleep. Ken Newton (retired) was thankful that he was in no way inclined to retire from the TRAILWALKER event. <br /><br />You can still <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/13">donate to the Dads and Daughters team</a> to reward them for their efforts over twelve events (all ten Sydney events and two in Melbourne). </p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:08:34 +1000 Day 2 Afternoon Update!!! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id786 We have raised $2,220,366 as of 2pm on Day 2!!! and 183 out of 500 teams have crossed the finish line!!! <br /><br />We need your continuous generous support!! To donate or sponsor a team, click <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/donate">here</a>! <br /> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:08:59 +1000 Is There A Beeline Yet? http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id784 <p><a title="Queen Bees! Very Buzzy by Oxfam TRAILWALKER, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfamtrailwalker/2809431809/"><img height="375" alt="Queen Bees! Very Buzzy" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2809431809_602a1f9211.jpg" width="500" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/291">The Queen Bees</a> have left Checkpoint 8 Ararat Reserve and are making a beeline for the finish!&nbsp; They are currently in 178th position, have walked 88km and have done an excellent job with fundraising breaking their target of $20,000 with $31,320!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:08:04 +1000 Action From The Frontline! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id783 <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/210">Team/dev/null</a> is our 400th team and has just checked through Checkpoint 5 at Kambora public school! Teams are blazing through this year with the excellent weather conditions. <br /><br />The Massage Therapist and Podiatrist team at Checkpoint 5 is extremely busy this morning with massages happening fast and furiously with walkers taking advantage of the beautiful Saturday morning weather and getting their massages under the morning sun! <br /><br />A big thank you to our volunteer Massage Therapist and Podiatrist, as they are integral to keeping those tired muscles refreshed for our walkers to push on. <br /><br />Support your favourite team by visiting the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/donate/">Team donation page</a>! <br /> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:08:52 +1000 We shall strive to be better! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id781 <p>Overnight, the fundraising total has increased by over $15,000 to an amazing: <br /><br />$2,212,650 <br /><br />Here&rsquo;s a quick look at our team donation leaderboard : <br /><br />1. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/16">Westpac Gale Force</a> representing Westpac Banking Corporation $43,420 <br /><br />2. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/100">Easts Masters</a> supported by KPMG representing Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club $34,184 <br /><br />3. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/105">ARA Group One</a> representing ARA Property Services Australia $32,160 <br /><br />4. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/291">The Queen Bees</a> $31,320 <br /><br />5. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/240">Walk the line</a> (featuring Jono Pruden) representing Macquarie Group $28,580 <br /><br /><br />Head over to the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/donate/">team donation page</a>, and sponsor a team now! Together, we can break last year&rsquo;s donation record of $3.18 million! <br /></p> <p>Where your money can go: <br /><br />Donate this much... ... and Oxfam can </p> <p><br />$20 Provide basic medical supplies for one month for a person living with HIV/AIDS in SOuth Africa.</p> <p>$35 Pay for materials to build a public well in Sri Lanka, providing fresh water for 20 to 30 families.</p> <p><br />$100 Provide training for doctors to better understand Inidigenous Australian health issues.</p> <p>$500 Support human rights advocates to provide training, information and monitor rights in East Timor.</p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:08:54 +1000 Who's The Boss? http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id782 <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/125">Hold Me Closer Tony Danza</a> held true to their team name&nbsp;by organising and hosting the triviaextravaDANZA!!!! One of their team members Allison is even planning to write her own blog during the event!!! Support them by visiting their team <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/125">page</a>! Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:08:07 +1000 Dads and Daughters http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id780 Oxfam Trailwalker 2008 will be <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/13">Dads and Daughters</a> 10th time competing in Sydney. This&nbsp;father and daughter team consisting of Ken Newton, Christine King and Geoffrey Williams and Nicole Williams&nbsp;have been racing together since 1999 and have raised over $9000 for Oxfam over the years. This year alone, they hope to raise $2500 for their efforts, to help them achieve their goal, click <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.au/donate/twpaymentevent.php?TeamID=5085&amp;EventState=NSW">here</a>. <br /><br />They are currently in the last leg of the race and hope to finish in under&nbsp;25 hours.&nbsp; To follow their progress, click <a href="http://www.taylormade.com.au/TrailWalker/Sydney2008/teamLocator.asp">here</a> and under find a team, select <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/13">Dads and Daughters</a> from the dropdown menu.<a href="http://www.taylormade.com.au/TrailWalker/Sydney2008/teamLocator.asp"><br /></a> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:08:42 +1000 Day 2 Update http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id779 We are now into day 2 and 94 teams have officially crossed the finish line! <br /><br />Among these teams,&nbsp;<a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/403">Multimarathon </a>is the first complete team to finish with a time of 14 hours and 24 minutes! CONGRATULATIONS!!! <br /><br /><a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/215">MnM Muppets</a> is second with a time of 15 hrs and 2 minutes, and <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/59">Meldrum Property Group</a> finished a close third just 14 minutes behind with a time of 15 hours and 16 minutes. <br /><br /><a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/353">Sydney Striders &ndash; ACZD Girls!</a> is the first all female team to finish this year, Claire Holland who has completed 3 Trailwalker events before Trailwalker 2008 has beat her fastest time of 8hrs 46 mins set in 2006, with 17 hrs 53 mins in 2008! <br /><br />Also, the first mixed team to finish is <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/514">Mitre 10 team 1</a> with a time of 16 hours and 1 minute! <br /><br />You can follow your favourite teams progress <a href="http://www.taylormade.com.au/TrailWalker/Sydney2008/teamSummary.asp">here</a>! <br /> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:08:19 +1000 A definition of Trailwalking http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id796 <p>From Wikipedia:</p> <p>A <strong>trail</strong> is a path or road used for walking, cycling, cross-country skiing, or other activities. Some trails are off-limits to everyone other than hikers, and a few trails allow motorized vehicles.</p> <p><strong>Walking</strong> (also called ambulation) is the main form of animal locomotion on land, distinguished from running and crawling. When carried out in shallow waters, it is usually described as wading and when performed over a steeply rising object or an obstacle it becomes scrambling or climbing. The word walk is descended from the Old English wealcan &quot;to roll&quot;.</p> <p>Three cheers for all the PATHAMBULATORS out there!</p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Some More Pictures! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id785 <p><a title="Team 463 by Oxfam TRAILWALKER, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfamtrailwalker/2808964267/"><img height="375" alt="Team 463" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2808964267_4bed9c270e.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p> <p><a title="Maniacs 119 by Oxfam TRAILWALKER, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfamtrailwalker/2810321630/"><img height="375" alt="Maniacs 119" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2810321630_b70291f59e.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p> <p><a title="IMG_0086 by Oxfam TRAILWALKER, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfamtrailwalker/2810310804/"><img height="375" alt="IMG_0086" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2810310804_3daec8b1cb.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p> <p><a title="Sugar for our walkers! by Oxfam TRAILWALKER, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfamtrailwalker/2809431843/"><img height="375" alt="Sugar for our walkers!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2809431843_d8081bc7f2.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p> <p><a title="www.multimarathon.com rip into the champers by Oxfam TRAILWALKER, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfamtrailwalker/2809431835/"><img height="375" alt="www.multimarathon.com rip into the champers" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/2809431835_599ef637fc.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p> <p><a title="This cook knows what the walkers need - she is a multiple trailwalker herself by Oxfam TRAILWALKER, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfamtrailwalker/2809404459/"><img height="375" alt="This cook knows what the walkers need - she is a multiple trailwalker herself" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2809404459_1d51b6d6e5.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 TRAILWALKER: A history http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id797 <p>Oxfam Australia TRAILWALKER is ten! Australia&rsquo;s first TRAILWALKER was held in Sydney in 1999 and only 87 teams took part. Come with us on a journey back in time to see what else happened in 1999: </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones became the first to circumnavigate the Earth in a hot air balloon (and I thought that Brian Jones was that bloke from the Rolling Stones) </li> <li>Stephen King was hit in a car accident on Route 5 in North Lovell, Maine by Bryan Smith </li> <li>Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France </li> <li>After rowing for 81 days and 2,962 nautical miles (5486 km), Tori Murden became the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean by rowboat alone, when she reached Guadeloupe from the Canary Islands </li> </ul> <p>Now in 2008, the 10th Sydney TRAILWALKER is taking place. The challenge has become increasing popular with more than 500 teams taking part. This year the event hopes to raise $3.2 million to support Oxfam&rsquo;s work in 28 countries, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia.</p> Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Place Update http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id776 <table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="200" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Place</strong></td> <td><strong>Team</strong></td> <td><strong>Time</strong></td> <td><strong>Checkpoint</strong></td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>1</p> </td> <td>MultiMarathon</td> <td> <p>12hrs :23min&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> </td> <td>8</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td> <p>Berowra Bushrunners </p> </td> <td>12 hrs : 25 min </td> <td>8</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>MnM Muppets </td> <td>13 hrs : 14 min </td> <td>8</td> <td> <p>&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>MeldrumProperty&nbsp;Group </td> <td>13 hrs : 25 min </td> <td>8</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>PAIL</td> <td>13 hrs : 26 min </td> <td>8</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>Unbreakables</td> <td>13 hrs : 55 min </td> <td>8</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Power Sense Energy Efficiency </td> <td>13 hrs : 57 min </td> <td>8</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Team Telstra </td> <td>13 hrs : 59 min </td> <td>8</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9</td> <td>Mitre 10 team 1 </td> <td>12 hrs : 34 min </td> <td>7</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>10</td> <td>The Cliffy Shuffle </td> <td>13 hrs : 0 min</td> <td>7</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><br /></p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:58:00 +1000 Front Runners Stride Ahead http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id769 <p>The <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/71">Berowra Bushrunners</a> sped into Checkpoint 6 just 1 minute ahead of team&nbsp;<a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/403">MultiMarathon</a> in a time of 9 hours 24 minutes.&nbsp; At this stage it looks like it will be a two horse race to the finish line, which is less than 30km from their current position.</p> <p>In the last few hours, the fundraising&nbsp;total has increased by over $10,000 to a whopping:</p> <h2 style="COLOR: green" align="center">$2,186,688</h2> <p>Keep up the great work and head over to the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/donate/">Team Donation</a> page to sponsor a team!</p> <p>Where your money can go:</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td>Donate this much...</td> <td>... and Oxfam can</td> </tr> <tr> <td>$20</td> <td>Provide families in East Timor with vegetable seeds and trees to help increase nutrition and market opportunities</td> </tr> <tr> <td>$80</td> <td>Provide a day's training for 20 women in alternate agriculture and horticulture methods in India</td> </tr> <tr> <td>$152</td> <td>Buy a boar for a Cambodian family living in a flood-prone area</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:08:38 +1000 Check out the Scenery http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id768 <p>Here's some shots of our lovely Trailwalkers on various parts of the trail!</p> <p>The fantastically named <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/232">Kissing Point Rovers</a>&nbsp;passed through Checkpoint 1 a short time ago. Here they are on the trail:<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2807243633_045a5546b0.jpg?v=0" align="middle" />&nbsp;<br /><br />The <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/15">Red Hot Jelly Beans</a>&nbsp;pose for the camera, amongst some of NSW's finest greenery:<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2807430502_c61ecf8487.jpg?v=0 " align="middle" /><br /><br />Taking a break with the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/333">Potts Point Poker Club</a>:</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2657500958_44fec30ea4.jpg?v=0 " align="middle" /></p> <p>Remember it's not too late to <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/donate/">donate</a>!&nbsp;</p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:08:19 +1000 Maniacs at Checkpoint 2!!! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id765 Team <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/119">Maniacs</a> arrive in one piece (or 4) at Checkpoint 2:<br /><br /><img alt="Well done everyone!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2808029040_8de0d33878.jpg?v=0" align="middle" />&nbsp;<br /><br />Oxfam Australia actively campaigns in many areas for causes such as poverty, fair trade and labour rights. The worldwide Make Poverty History campaign aims to end the injustice of poverty around the world. Oxfam Australia has focussed on the crisis in agriculture that is impeding the development of poorer countries. <br /><br />The Make Trade Fair campaign aspires to bring equality to trade across the globe, allowing the worlds more impoverished and vulnerable farmers to afford the basics of life including food, healthcare and education. Governments, institutions and multi-national companies have been called upon to change the rules allowing trade to become part of the solution to global poverty, not part of the problem. <br /><br />To sponsor our teams and donate to these fantastic campaigns, head over to the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/donate/">Team Donation</a> page! <br /> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:08:20 +1000 A Closer Look http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id764 <p>We now have Trailwalkers between Checkpoint 1 and 5 so here&rsquo;s a closer look at a few teams. <br /><br />The <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/353">Sydney Striders - ACZD Girls!</a> have arrived at Checkpoint 3 in a time of 6 hours 47 minutes. Team leader Clare Holland has completed three Trailwalker events and is aiming to lead her team over the finish line in 18 hours. They also hope to be the first all female team over the line this weekend&nbsp;so good luck to them all! <br /><br />The <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/23">Final Few</a> are approaching Checkpoint 2 , having left the first Checkpoint at&nbsp;10:44am. This incredible team has a total of 22 Trailwalks between them (wowzers) and have raised an awesome $42,000 over the years for Oxfam Australia! <br /><br />The <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/339">Jackson Four</a> recently help a Trivia night at the City Hotel and have raised a marvellous $6,302 to date. Here&rsquo;s a shot of them just before starting on the trail this morning: </p> <p><img alt="Keep smiling guys!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2807408852_ab21ef5a26.jpg?v=0" align="middle" /><br /><br />Lets hope they&rsquo;re still smiling as they approach the second Checkpoint! <br /></p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:08:21 +1000 &quot;Money, it's a gas!&quot; http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id763 Now for a quick look at the top fundraising teams! In reverse order: <br /><br />5. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/240">Walk the line</a> (featuring Jono Pruden) representing Macquarie Group<strong> $27,430</strong> <br /><br />4. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/291">The Queen Bees</a> <strong>$30,870</strong> <br /><br />3. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/105">ARA Group One</a> representing ARA Property Services Australia <strong>$32,160 <br /></strong><br />2. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/100">Easts Masters</a> supported by KPMG representing Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club <strong>$34,084</strong> <br /><br />1. <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/16">Westpac Gale Force</a> representing Westpac Banking Corporation <strong>$43,270 <br /></strong><br />Every team taking part in this years Trailwalker has done a cracking job, with the total raised currently at... <h2 style="COLOR: green" align="center">$2,171,724</h2> ...and counting!&nbsp;<br /><br />Head to the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/donate/">Team Donations</a> page and lets keep the total moving skywards! <br /> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:08:02 +1000 What's your name? http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id761 <p>This year&rsquo;s teams have proved as imaginative and creative as always with regard to their names! We&rsquo;ve got the wonderfully named <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/157">Leaping Lumpy Bums</a>, <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/500">Wombling Wombles</a> and <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/35">wwwWobbolies</a> all working the alliteration. <br /><br />Let&rsquo;s hope <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/145">Evil, Wicked, Mean and Nasty</a> are all getting on and haven&rsquo;t had a hand in the naming of <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/462">OUCH!</a> or <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/37">Sorry and Sore</a> ! <br /><br />Some new government departments are also being represented this weekend by the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/2">Ministry of Silly Bushwalks</a> and the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/318">Department Of Pants</a> ! <br /><br />Oxfam Australia operates programs both here in Australia and around the world. In Cambodia, teams have been working for over 25 years to reduce poverty and build a better life for people. Programs in India have helped to support local non-government organisations in implementing self-help initiatives. Here in Australia, Oxfam has been working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to exercise their rights to basic social services, build sustainable livelihoods and improve cultural diversity. <br /><br />For more information head over to the <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.au/">Oxfam Australia</a> website. </p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:08:48 +1000 Front Runners http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id762 <p>Team <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/403">MultiMarathon</a> have overtaken the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/71">Berowra Bushrunners</a> at Checkpoint 4 to move into first place!&nbsp; That's 50km gone in 6.5 hours which is fantastic Trailwalking/running!</p> <p>The Sydney Trailwalker record of 11 hours 59 minutes was set in 2005 so it'll be interesting to see how the teams progress in the next few hours - is the record up for grabs???!!</p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:08:40 +1000 Teams Pushing into Challenging Checkpoint Number 2... http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id759 This years walk is the reverse of the 2007 Trailwalker route so begins with some of the most difficult sections of the walk through the hills and valleys of the Ku-ring-gai National Park. Spare a thought for our hard working Trailwalkers, who are at this point slogging their way through the bush whilst we sit around drinking tea and browsing the web! <br /><br />Excellent news from Andrew Lowe of <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/493">Team 167</a> who are representing Nipon Meat Packers. They're currently cruising by Jerusalem Bay and report zero blisters! <br /><br />Don't forget to do your bit and sponsor your team doing the Trailwalker today. $20 is enough the plough and prepare a hectare of land for cultivation and harvest in Mozambique. $50 will pay for school fees for an orphan in South Africa. It's easy: just head over to the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/donate/">Team Donation</a> page and donate now! <br /> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:08:26 +1000 All situations http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id775 <p>From the bush to the suburban streets (and train tracks) of Sydney, trailwalkers have to be adaptable to all situations.</p> <p><img alt="Descending to Jeruselum Bay" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2807730562_40a67d781e.jpg?v=0" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2807308639_a288defa8e.jpg?v=1219992691" /></p> <p>From this...</p> <p><img alt="The concrete jungle" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2808496738_5a394ca52e.jpg?v=0" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2808496746_140dfbc009.jpg?v=0" /></p> <p>To this!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Natalie Costa, a team member of <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/137">Harper Collins Ladies and the Tramp</a>&nbsp;told Oxfam media offiicials of the hardships the night has brought;</p> <p>&quot;Its making it really difficult to see. There's alot of tripping over rocks!&quot;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Fundraising on the up http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id772 <p>In the ten years that the Sydney Oxfam Trailwalker has been running, money raised has been on the rise. </p> <p>In&nbsp;last years&nbsp;international Trailwalker results, the Sydney event followed Hong Kong, putting them in second place on the fundraising score board.</p> <p>The Sydney Trailwalker raised a mighty $3.14 Million which funded&nbsp;various <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.au/campaigns/">Oxfam campaigns</a> in poverty stricken countries around the world.</p> <p>The bounty now is at a massive <strong>$2,196,340. </strong></p> <p>Things are looking up for this years event, and efforts by team members not to be disputed.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Neck and neck http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id774 <p>Rival teams <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/71">Berowra Bushrunners</a> and <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/403">MultiMarathon</a>&nbsp;are neck and neck in their race to win this years Sydney Oxfam&nbsp;Trailwalker.</p> <p>MultiMarathon scraped into 1st place, 2mins ahead of Berowra Bushrunners, in a time of 12mins 23 secs clocked at the final checkpoint.</p> <p>Only time and the drudgery of fatigue will tell the outcome of this race. </p> <p>Its sure to be a tight finish, that's for sure!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://www.taylormade.com.au/TrailWalker/Sydney2008/teamLocator.asp"></a></p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Night Walking http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id773 <p>The dark of night is proving to put the teams night navigation skills to use. </p> <p><img alt="Torches are ready" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2772816327_93afefcb50.jpg?v=0" /></p> <p>Torches are ready</p> <p><img alt="Team; Who's Idea Was This? 40K's into the trail" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2808350986_213e739ec2.jpg?v=0" /></p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney 2008 Begins! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id758 <p>Sydney Trailwalker has kicked off in style with over 500 teams starting on the 100km walk from Brooklyn on the Hawksbury river to Mosman.&nbsp; It's a beautiful day here in Sydney, perfect for Trailwalkers to&nbsp;amble, walk, jog or run the route!&nbsp; The <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/71">Berowra Bushrunners</a>&nbsp;sped through the first checkpoint in a stonking 1 hour 42 minutes, with the MultiMarathon team a mere 3 minutes behind...</p> <p>Trailwalkers have already raised $2.2 million for Oxfam but it's not too late to donate more!&nbsp; Head over to&nbsp;<a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/donate/">Sponsorship Page</a>&nbsp;now, find your team and donate generously to a great cause!</p> <p>Throughout the weekend you can keep tabs on your team and their progress through the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/NSW/results">Team Tracker</a>&nbsp;and be sure to keep reading the blog for news and updates!</p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Raising the bar! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id760 <p>In 2007, Sydney Trailwalkers raised a tremendous $3.1 million! Lets raise the bar! <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/donate/">Sponsor your team</a>! Sponsor two teams! Go nuts, sponsor all of them woohoo!! </p> <p>Teams update:</p> <p><a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/426">Beauty and the Beasts</a> have come all the way from Queensland for this years Trailwalker and are missioning up the hill to Checkpoint 2. Sonia and her team of beasts must be appreciating the cooler Sydney climate right now! <br /><br />Meanwhile the <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/71">Berowra Bushrunners</a> are in first place and have steamed through the second checkpoint in 3 hours 32 minutes. That's 8km per hour, an impressive pace over the 28km of the course they've traversed so far! <br /><br /><br /></p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Sydney Striders saunter sensationally through Checkpoint 4! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id767 <p><a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/353">The Sydney Striders - ACZD Girls</a>&nbsp;team are the first all female team through Checkpoint 4!&nbsp; Wohoo!</p> <p><img alt="Go Girls!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2807976862_8eaa380015.jpg?v=0" align="middle" /></p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Thanks to all the support crew! http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id771 <p>A big thanks to all members of the support crew for their enthusiam and efforts so far. Your support and drive to keep the teams in good form is certainly apprectiated. Keep up the good work!</p> <p><img alt="Support crew on hand" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2808736942_ec862fe5c5.jpg?v=0" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Third, fourth and fifth http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id778 <p>In third place, MnM Muppets have finished in a time of 15 hours 2 minutes.<br />In&nbsp;fourth place&nbsp;Meldrum Property Group&nbsp;have&nbsp;finished 14 minutes after MnM Muppets followed by PAIL in a steady fifth position.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000 Www.multimarathon.com win 2008 Oxfam Trailwalker http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/news/?#n_id777 <p>Team 403, <a href="http://www.multimarathon.com">Www.multimarathon.com</a>, representing Paddy Pallin&nbsp;have won the 2008 Oxfam Trailwalker.</p> <p>The four man team consisting of Toby Cogley, Adam Carter,Ian Stewart and Paul O'Connor finished the race at 9: 24pm, in a time remarkable time of 14 hours 24 minutes.</p> <p>Team leader, Toby Cogley has expressed his love for the event;</p> <p>&quot;I love the event. That's why I keep coming back; the charity, the team work and the fundraising&quot;.</p> <p>He explained that this year's event stood out from previous years.</p> <p>&quot;I havn't felt this good in the event ever&quot;,</p> <p>&quot;I enjoyed 80%, suffered 20%.&quot;</p> <p>The winning team had these modest final words to say;</p> <p>&quot;If you do it often enough, you might just get lucky once!&quot;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker//images/content/teamphoto5.jpg" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rival team 71; <a href="http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Sydney/team/71">Berowra Bushrunners</a> crossed the finish line first, although are ranked as unsuccessfully completed the race due to the fact that only three members finished.</p> <p>Congratulations to both parties and good luck to all other trailwalkers!</p> <p>The end is near...</p> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000