Joel Flemming entertained us that night with his stories of his life around Alice Springs which was fascinating and also inspirational as even though he is wheelchair bound he runs 4WD training courses, and still does outback trips Due to his ongoing efforts was awarded Territorian of the year in 2002.

Keep him in mind if you are in need of trips or guidance around the Alice Springs area, as he organises tours etc to unique spots.

Steve Robertson from the Spirit of Tasmania attended and spoke about the wonders of Tasmania, and the package our Candy Corroboree will receive for the 09 Corroboree on Brunie Island in 2009 (last weekend of Jan we hope.)

The Spirit of Tasmania generously donated 2 return tickets to be raffled off, and all proceeds went to the Flying Doctor. Stalwarts John and Rose Jervois were the lucky winners which all were happy about, as the ticket was purchased for them because they couldn’t attend due to ill health. This raffle along with a Friday night tea put on by Karen and Macca raised $1,300.

One of our Corroboree crew Pam Kleinig made a patchwork quilt which she along with her husband Alan raffled off for the Flying Doctor as well. This raffle raised $300. Thus we sincerely thank Spirit of Tasmania, Karen and Macca from Red-Desert and the Kleinigs for their donation as $1600 was raised on the weekend for the Flying Doctor.

After the Corroboree 15 vehicles set off on an adventurous trip lead by Macca and Karen from Red-Desert, west through the West MacDonnell Ranges, then across to Sandy Blight Junction , Jupiter Well, down the Gary Highway, around to Warburton, up to Giles Weather Station, down to the APY lands, then up to the Olgas, finishing at Curtin Springs.

Most tracks were surveyed by Len Beadell thus we gained further appreciation of this modern day pioneer and the unassuming way he attacked the enormous task he and his crew were allocated.

From Warburton we were guided by David and Margaret Hewitt who have spent most of their adult life working in aboriginal communities throughout the north of Australia. We were fortunate to be able to get an insight from truly dedicated people, and all on the trip will treasure our time with them.