“What Andrew had done is outstanding and should not only be seen as an Australian first, but more importantly puts him in the international top ten for reaching the toughest grand slam on the planet – the 14 - 8000ers” - Peter Hillary.

We extend our congratulations to Andrew on climbing the true summit of Shishapangma on October 2nd. We also thank Andrew for his support and commitment to the Foundation that has seen him attend many of our functions including hosting a table at our Sydney dinner last year.

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In the last year we have received great feedback from the local communities in the Khumbu region of Nepal, along with continued positive endorsement from the District Education Office of the Nepalese Department of Education as well as drawing up a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nepal Department of Education.

We are now into the second year of our 6-year program cycle that aims to improve teacher education in the impoverished regions south of the Solu Khumbu (Everest) region. The program includes a combination of teacher training and refresher courses as well as our key teacher training program where outstanding local teachers are trained as trainers.

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In Zanskar, Ladakh, our local NGO is about to conduct the 4th annual training course for amchi (local health practitioners). Young female amchi will also be selected for a further 6 month training in pre-natal and maternal health care, undertaken in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The project is one of the few supported by the local ruling body – the Ladakh Hill Council – who are impressed with the courses that have been undertaken since 2007.

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Our joint project with the Australian Tibetan Society in the Indian Himalaya supporting Tibetans in exile has received very positive feedback. Much of this work has been initiated by ATS Chairman Namgyel Tsering – the project currently provides support for the Himalayan Buddhist school in Salugara as well as the Gangjong Doeghar Performing Arts Centre in Kalimpong.

We have recently increased our scholarships for young girls and dalit (untouchable boys) to 250 per year in association with our local NGO, RHEST (Rural Health and Educational Service). It is a big commitment. Each scholarship costs around $100 a year so we will need to raise $250,000 to fund this important project during the next ten-year cycle.

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Congratulations to AHF director, Lincoln Hall whose recent book ‘Alive in the Death Zone: Mt Everest Survival’ was awarded as the Winner of the Eve Pownell Award for Information Books in the Children’s Book Council Awards for 2009. The book will certainly add a further dimension to our Schools for the Himalaya program. If you know of a school interested in supporting a school in the Himalaya we would like to hear from you.

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The dinner was attended by over 350 people and was a great success. Greg Mortimer presented the 2nd Sir Edmund Hillary Memorial Address which included his recollections of the 1st Australian ascent of Everest. Guests also enjoyed Todd Sampson’s speech and wonderful entertainment from the Bhangra dancers. The dinner also marked the 25th anniversary of this historic 1984 climb with many of the expedition members in attendance including Greg Mortimer, Andi Henderson, Lincoln Hall, Simon Balderstone, Mike Dillon and Howard Whelan.

Over $90,000 profit was raised on the night, including a very generous donation by Dick Smith at the end of the proceedings. We are very grateful to all our sponsors and prize donors who helped make this evening a success. More information on the evening is available on our website.

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We held our inaugural Supporters dinner in Tasmania in early August. Over 40 people attended the evening with Garry Weare outlining the Foundation’s development and projects. Special thanks to our Hobart representative, Brendon Moore for making the evening a great success.

We are planning a major dinner in Melbourne for early 2010.
Full details will be available shortly.

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