Anthony Ventra is trading his steel caps for hiking boots this August taking part in the Heysen Flinders Ranges Challenge in the South Australian outback raising money for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
Anthony has been working with Glencore for the last 13 years, first at Liddell then Bulga and now Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) joint venture as the Business Improvement Superintendent. He turns the big 4-0 this year and wanted to do something meaningful to mark the milestone.
“I wanted to do something big for my 40th. Initially I wanted to go over to New Zealand, get dropped in the bush and go bow hunting. But then I saw that the Mark Hughes Foundation was looking for people to do this trek in the Flinders Ranges and I decided to jump on board with that instead.
“This is about pushing my limits, doing something meaningful and raising funds for an important cause.
“I love my rugby league too and with Mark Hughes being a local Kurri Kurri boy who has done so much for brain cancer research it was a no brainer.”
The North Flinders Ranges is stunning and over the eight days of the trek, the fundraisers will be soaking up the scenic Wilpena Pound, visit Alligator Gorge, see some incredible wildlife including yellow-footed rock wallabies, emus and more and wander through forests of cypress pines.
The trekkers will set off from Adelaide on the first day to the Arkaroo Rock Art circuit walk, then take Black Gap to Wilpena Pound, trek Mount Ohlseen Bagge on day three, make it to the Parachilna Gorge on the fifth day and finally get to Devils Peak on the final day of the adventure.
Anthony is excited, but admits training has been pretty much nonexistent…
“It’s been too cold to start training, but I used to do a lot of bow hunting up in the mountains, I love the outdoors so it’s not something I will be unfamiliar with!”
While he doesn’t have a personal connection to the cause, Anthony said he always likes to find a way to help people and encourages others to do the same.
“A lot of the other people have personal connections to it and I am fortunate enough that I don’t have brain cancer or family members or close friends have it. But I don’t need that personal connection to be able to do my bit. You don’t know what could happen down the track to yourself or a loved one.
“Just because you don’t have a personal connection doesn’t mean you can’t do your bit.
“I would love to raise $10,000 since I have already exceeded my original goal of $3,500.”
Beyond the physical challenge and fundraising efforts, Anthony is deeply motivated by his role as a father and partner.
“I have five amazing kids and a supportive partner who mean the world to me. Taking on this trek is not just about personal achievement; it’s about setting an example for my children. I want them to see the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, giving back to the community, and standing up for causes that matter.
“If I can inspire them to be compassionate and proactive in their own lives, then every step I take on this journey will be worth it.”
| Anthony will be doing a raffle and a 100-club with some incredible prizes, but for now you can donate directly to his fundraising page here: https://flindersrangeschallenge.gofundraise.com.au/page/Anthony-69547437# |
