16 TO 25 APRIL, 2020

Larapinta Pilgrimage - a journey to the heart -

Experience Gain Help the Iconic Red personal insights and transform communities, Centre at the heart learn more about enabling young of Australia. Aboriginal culture. people to thrive.

Photo Credit: Great Walks of Australia & Andrew Bain

03 9579 3955 [email protected] larapintapilgrimage.gofundraise.com.au Details Journey to the heart of Australia This April, discover the Australia outback, develop your understanding of Aboriginal culture and push beyond your physical limitations to help young people thrive. WHEN: 16 to 25 April, 2020 This is one of the ten great walks of Australia and World Expeditions have partnered with Fusion to help you encounter this iconic desert trail. On this fully supported trek, you walk with just a day pack to explore the best sections of this iconic desert trail: from the high ridge lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges you’ll see the vast flood plains that form this ancient land. You’ll be DURATION: dwarfed by the immensity of Ormiston and Serpentine Gorge and soothed 10 days by their idyllic waterholes. You’ll be amazed by dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm… and to top it all off you’ll climb to the lofty peak of Mt Sonder to watch the sunrise (1,380m).

Discover the transforming work of Fusion, meet young people on Fusion’s 2020 Pilgrimage to Uluru, and gain a deeper understanding of the oldest COST: living culture in the world and our shared history. $3,200 (excluding flights) Every step you take will help raise the crucial funds needed to support Fusion’s transformative work.

FUNDRAISING TARGET: $4,500 Highlights Encounter Uluru and Rainbow Valley - Experience the highlights of the Larapinta Trail; Ormiston Gorge, Standley - Chasm and sunrise at the Summit of Gain a deeper understanding of the oldest living culture in the world and ACCOMMODATION: our nation’s past. Camping - Discover the transformative work of Fusion, meeting young people on - Fusion’s 2020 Pilgrimage to Uluru. Raise the resources necessary to see transformed communities where - young people thrive.

Photo Credit: Brett Boardman

03 9579 3955 [email protected] larapintapilgrimage.gofundraise.com.au From sixteen locations around Australia, we are committed to creatively finding ways and means to ensure that a Making a Difference young person’s past doesn’t need to determine their future; that where they’re ‘from’ can be a gift rather than a burden; and their experience of life can be transformed Your contribution will help young people, their families, from this moment forward. and communities to thrive. All of this isn’t possible without the support of people Motivated by Christian values and the belief that people like you. matter, Fusion works to see transformation in individual lives and the community through a wide range of local initiatives. Ambya’s Story To achieve this can mean dealing with the most practical of Ambya was a kid who’d had it tough. needs; whether that’s helping a young person to find a safe place to live, providing a hands-on way to learn when the After years of experiencing bullying throughout primary classroom just doesn’t work, or even scaling a mountain school, Ambya fell into a life based on self-preservation. with a nervous teen who is building self-confidence. “When I started high school I made a choice that I wasn’t going to get bullied anymore – I started smoking, hanging out with the bullies… it kind of snowballed. I needed to do whatever possible to stay with that group”

Ambya discovered hard drugs, a life of crime, and ended up being expelled from her school. Ambya knew that if she continued along the same path she would end up in jail or find herself 6 feet under.

As we got to know Ambya, we saw past her behaviour and spoke to her true self; through Daytrips and the Pilgrimage to Uluru, we began to build her sense of belonging, self-worth, and purpose. Ambya began to change the way she saw herself and the world around her.

Today, Ambya is busy building a bright future for herself, her partner, and her beautiful daughter.

“I will never forget the trust, the love, the hope, and strength they have given me. They taught me some incredible lessons about how strong I am and what my true worth is. And I fight every day to remember this is the ultimate safety net.” Photo: Ambya and her daughter

03 9579 3955 [email protected] larapintapilgrimage.gofundraise.com.au It has been said that tourists simply pass through a land gathering photographs and souvenirs, but pilgrims let the land pass through them as they gather understanding. Photo Credit: Latonia Crockett

16 April, 2020 Yulara (Uluru) Day One : Our Journey Begins The journey of a lifetime begins! Upon arrival in Yulara you will be welcomed by the Pilgrimage to Uluru Base Camp team and transferred to our campsite to meet 19 April, 2020 fellow pilgrims and welcome young people arriving Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap from around Australia. Together we will participate in Day Four: a Welcome to Country before joining in the evening This morning we meet the World Expeditions team and program, an introduction to Anangu Culture. begin our trek at the historic Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. From here Meals: L D the trail takes us through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands. We climb high over exposed hills to the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge, with 17 April, 2020 expansive views over Alice Springs and the surrounding Yulara (Uluru) landscape, before descending to the deep narrow Day Two: passage of Wallaby Gap. Encounter Uluru for the first time alongside young people on the Pilgrimage to Uluru. Together we will learn along After a stop for refreshments we take a quick transfer to the Mala Walk and visit the Cultural Centre, discovering Nick’s Camp. Nick’s Camp is one of World Expeditions a region rich in Indigenous culture. After lunch you will exclusive award-winning camps, nestled in the bush with have some time to explore this ruggedly beautiful town stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice before helping prepare for Fusion’s Community Festival, Valley. Following your introduction to camp you will be connecting with children from Yulara and Mutitjulu; a treated to a spread of local bush foods prepared by local special time that brings both communities together. specialist Rayleen Brown. We will share dinner together at the festival, before participating in the Water Ceremony, a special inma Meals: B L D Trekking distance: 13.5km (ceremony) about reconciliation.

Meals: B L D 20 April, 2020 Day Five: Nick’s Camp to Simpsons Gap 18 April, 2020 From Nick’s Camp we continue west through magnificent, Rainbow Valley (Wurre) shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant Day Three: trees on this narrow alluvial flat. We may catch sight of This morning we will travel to Rainbow Valley to meet the Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach one of the our host, Ricky Orr, a traditional owner. Together we most important waterholes of the area, Simpsons Gap. will learn more about Aboriginal Culture and Country; experiencing rock art, engravings, and occupations A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm sites. Ricky will take us for a walk on Country, sharing the where you will hear more about Arrente Culture. After ancient landscape of Rainbow Valley and explain some a delicious picnic lunch and a walk into the magnificent of its Cultural significance. We will finish our day in Alice Chasm – a private reserve still run by the traditional Springs, ready to embark on our trek tomorrow. owners – we transfer back to our campsite.

Meals: B L D Meals: B L D Trekking distance: 9km

03 9579 3955 [email protected] larapintapilgrimage.gofundraise.com.au 21 April, 2020 Day Six : Serpentine Gorge to Charlie’s Camp Our Journey Continues Today’s highlight is the 5km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From here we have 23 April, 2020 clear views of Central Australia’s western horizon to Mt Mt. Sonder sunrise walk (1380m) Zeil (1531m) and Mt Sonder which marks the end of the Day Eight: Larapinta Trail. We can also see the huge comet crater of An early rise this morning (3am) for our pre-dawn walk Gosse Bluff. We descend from the high ridgetop through up Mount Sonder. Weaving our way up to the 1380m mysterious stands of mulga trees. summit of this majestic mountain following only the glittering light of your head-torch, surrounded by deep At the base of the ridge we follow a track of dolomite and peaceful darkness, is a truly inspiring experience… limestone towards camp; keep your eye out for fossil and watching the sunrise from the top is unforgettable! stromatolites under foot, one of the most ancient forms of life. Stepping off the main trail, we follow our private track Mount Sonder is the official end and highest point of to Charlie’s Camp. Tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded the Larapinta Trail and as such we have expansive views wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point. An optional across the entire vast landscape we have been exploring afternoon walk to Serpentine Chalet Dam reveals early over the last few days. We descend to Redbank Gorge history of the area and the chance for a refreshing swim. and enjoy brunch on the . A short transfer We’ll spend the evening relaxing around the campfire. returns us to camp looking back up toward Mt Sonder.

Meals: B L D Trekking distance: 15km Meals: B L D Trekking distance: 16km

22 April, 2020 24 April, 2020 Day Seven: Charlie’s Camp to Ochre Pits Day Nine: to Alice Springs Today we spend some time in the breathtaking Inarlanga This morning we enjoy Ormiston Pound. Punctuating the (Echidna) Pass, enjoying the peace as we marvel at the West MacDonnell Ranges, this circuit is regarded as one ancient cycad palms. From here we trek south-west to of the best small walks of the Larapinta Trail and offers an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The views of the Chewings Range and . The rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery makes for stunning photos. and wildlife, making it the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge We then break for a picnic lunch and an early finish in where Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs preparation for our big day tomorrow. An optional and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds. afternoon visit to Finke River (estimated to be the oldest Although relatively short, the trek is quite challenging. river in the world) or relax at Glen Helen Homestead Lodge. We transfer west to one of World Expeditions After lunch we board the bus and transfer to Alice Springs. exclusive camps. Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape. Tonight we will enjoy our final team dinner at Meals: B L D Trekking distance: 8km a local restaurant in Alice Springs. Meals: B L D Trekking distance: 6km

25 April, 2020 Day Ten: Depart Alice Springs As the end of our pilgrimage approaches, we greet our final day together with an early morning. Today we gather for an Anzac Day Dawn Service before beginning our journey home; we will focus on the role that Aboriginal people played in WWI and the role of the Top End in WWII.

As we head to the airport, we know we are leaving changed; having discovered more about ourselves, our nation’s story, and the transformative work that we have enabled through our fundraising efforts.

Meals: B

03 9579 3955 [email protected] larapintapilgrimage.gofundraise.com.au FAQ’s Photo Credit: Shaana McNaught

What will it cost? How do I fundraise? The cost of the Larapinta Pilgrimage is $3,200, excluding You are not in this alone. We will help you reach and even flights. The Fundraising target for Fusion Australia is exceed your fundraising target. Once registered we will $4,500. be in touch with you to create a fundraising plan and offer advice and inspiration along the way. Remember, we’re only a phone call away. What’s included? - Fusion team leader - Transfers in private vehicle What equipment will I require? - Accommodation Specialist gear is required including walking boots, head- - Meals as per itinerary torch, and daypack. You will receive a comprehensive - Professional wilderness guide and support staff gear list with your confirmation documents. - Camping equipment - Emergency communications and 24 hour back-up - Comprehensive group first aid kit

What’s not included? - Airfares - Travel insurance - Backpack and sleeping bag - Personal gear

How fit will I need to be? The Larapinta Trek is graded ‘introductory to moderate’. This trek involves walking 5–7 hours each day over rugged terrain with some step ascents and descents. Larapinta Pilgrimage is a physical challenge; the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the experience.

We recommend exercising 3-4 times per week in the months leading up to your trip, to ensure you have the best chance to increase your physical fitness with aerobic exercise.

03 9579 3955 [email protected] larapintapilgrimage.gofundraise.com.au What is the minimum age? What is the quality of the campsites? While all ages can be united by a sense of philanthropy In Yulara we will be staying in tents at Ayers Rock and adventure, the minimum age for this pilgrimage is 18. Campground. Along the Larapinta Trail we will be staying in World Expeditions semi-permanent wilderness campsites that won the 2014 NT Architecture Award for Are Donations Tax Deductible? Small Project Architecture. All donations to Fusion Australia of $2 and over are tax deductible. Nestled amongst the hills just off the Larapinta Trail, the exclusive campsites are fully set up so there is no need to worry about pitching or packing away tents. The kitchen, Will I have to carry my own bag? lounge and dining shelter are set on a raised platform out You will need to carry a daypack containing your water for of the dust. the day (3L), sunscreen, hat, and any other items you need throughout the day. All other luggage will be transferred The toilet facilities are clean and comfortable. All via vehicle. toilet waste goes into a composting tank, ensuring the environment is protected. There are simple shower Depending on the amount of personal items you decide facilities: a bucket of water heated over the fire is to carry, your day pack will weigh 5–8kg. Your luggage strung up, providing a few minutes of a wonderfully will be transferred by the support vehicle, please keep it hot shower. to one soft duffle bag per person. The tents are a custom built safari style, each 2.4m x 2.4m x 2.1m, offering plenty of room for two people, swags, Any dietary requirements? and gear. A stretcher bed provides a comfortable bed Provided we are well-advised in advance, we are able to base off the ground. The inner tent has mesh walls so it’s cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically easy to remove the fly and sleep under the stars. recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). These campsites would not be possible without a strong partnership with Aboriginal Traditional Owners and the What’s the climate like? NT Parks and Wildlife who co-manage the land. This Dry, hot, and cold conditions are all part of the experience partnership ensures that the benefits of trekking tourism of Outback Australia. We can expect dry heat and mild are shared equitably with the Aboriginal Traditional nights. Higher temperatures may require an adjustment Owners whose land we walk and camp upon. to the itinerary.

Photo Credit: Great Walks of Australia & Graham Michael Freeman

03 9579 3955 [email protected] larapintapilgrimage.gofundraise.com.au Countdown to Larapinta Pilgrimage 2020

TO DO: DATE: ACTIVITY:

Register: Immediately A deposit of $350 is due upon registration

Connect with your fellow pilgrims online. Join our Facebook Connect: After registration group ‘Larapinta Pilgrimage’ or via social media hashtag #larapintapilgrimage2020

Send half of your payment to Fusion. You will be invoiced by Half Travel Cost Balance: October, 2019 Fusion for $1,250

Congratulations! You‘ve raised your first fundraising Fundraising Milestone #1: 16th November, 2019 milestone of $1,500 to help young people, their families, and communities to thrive.

Travel Cost Balance: November, 2019 Pay remaining travel costs of $1,600 to Fusion Australia

Congratulations! You’ve raised your second fundraising Fundraising Milestone #2: 16th March, 2020 milestone of $3,500

Embark on the journey of a lifetime, continuing to share with Depart for Yulara: Thursday 16th April, 2020 your community about the transformative work of Fusion and how they can help you reach your fundraising target of $4,500

Fundraising Milestone #3: 2nd May, 2020 Well done! You’ve reached your fundraising target of $4,500!

REGISTER NOW: P: 03 9579 3955 E: [email protected]

Photo Credit: Shaana McNaught

03 9579 3955 [email protected] larapintapilgrimage.gofundraise.com.au APRIL 16 – 25TH, 2020

Larapinta Pilgrimage - a journey to the heart -

2020 REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

PHONE: 03 9579 3955

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: larapintapilgrimage.gofundraise.com.au

Fusion Aus Ltd ABN: 26 001 273 105