I was lucky enough to be part of an amazing conference last week in Central Australia where I was in a 30 car convoy of 4 wheel drives that drove off road from Alice Springs to Ularu. It was my first visit to that part of the world and one I will never forget. Not only did I get to see some of the most spectacular scenery on earth but prior to leaving Alice I got to spend a few hours as a Red Dust Role Model.

Red Dust Role Models is a not-for-profit organisation that uses the profile and influence of positive role models to deliver health messages and inspire healthy lifestyle decisions among indigenous youth. I was lucky enough to visit a school in Alice that caterers for indigenous youth from the surrounding town camps. We had a tour of the school and the facilities and then broke into groups for a number of activities. For me personally it was one of the most special days of my life, to see these incredible kids with such energy and excitement was inspiring and I am hoping to get back out there later in the year to continue to help out with the incredible job that Red Dust is doing.

We had an amazing outdoor dinner as we watched the sun set over Ularu and the following morning I watched it rise again drenching the rock in the most amazing colours.

As I flew out that afternoon and watched the desert below me pass by, arriving back in Sydney some time later I realised just how incredible this country of ours is and just how lucky we are to call it home

I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Sir Edmund Hillary yesterday in New Zealand, truly one of the greatest adventurers of all time. Sir Ed as he was fondly known was personally one of my heroes and someone admired around the world. He will be remembered for his spirit of adventure his passion for life and his humanity and generosity.