By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
HE’S raised more than $155,800 for various charities and organisations over the years and this week Flinders MP and Environment Minister Greg Hunt took off on another trek to Phillip Island.
On Monday 20 July Mr Hunt set off through Flinders in an effort to raise a minimum of $25,000 for Abacus Learning Centre in Hastings and Amaze (Autism Victoria).
The 500-kilometre walk kicked off at Arthurs Seat and will see Mr Hunt – and anyone who wanted to join him for as little as one kilometre a day – finish in Cowes.
Mr Hunt has encouraged all community members to join him on the walk and is already humbled by the support he has received.
“Cricket Australia has generously donated a cricket bat signed by the Australian Cricket team that will be auctioned off at the Abacus gala dinner on Saturday 15 August at the Mornington Racecourse,” he said.
The gala dinner will be presented by Kiis FM radio host Matt Tilley and former Victorian Premier Denis Napthine will be a guest speaker on the night.
“There will be some fabulous auction items up for grabs, including overseas getaways, a private cocktail party and a family trip to Mt Hotham as well as raffles and door prizes,” Mr Hunt explained.
Mr Hunt will be hosting a community meeting on autism and disability on Tuesday July 28 at Abacus Learning Centre in Hastings.
“With more than 230,000 Australians affected by autism, most people know someone who is impacted,” he said. After raising $35,864 for Abacus Learning Centre and Autism Victoria on his third walk in 2011, Mr Hunt moved a motion in parliament for better support for people with autism and gave bipartisan support for a National Autism Summit.
Tickets to the gala dinner can be purchased at www.abacuslearning.org.au and to join the walk to Phillip Island call (03) 5979 3188.
