Neil McCulloch

First Hike Project is a Not-For-Profit organisation operating out of Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. Run entirely by volunteers, First Hike Project takes youth from refugee backgrounds on all-expenses-paid and all-equipment-provided overnight hiking and camping experience in the Australian bush. Our goal is to offer safe, no-cost hiking experiences to people new to our country, with the hope they will feel more at home in Australia once they step outside the suburbs and discover nature. All gear, food, drinks and transport is supplied so there is no cost to the participant whatsoever. All food is culturally sensitive, and time is set aside for cultural and religious practices if need be. Day hikes are also run which can be good for including family members who are not in the youth demographic we normally target. First Hike Project believes that hiking is a great way to break down imaginary barriers between groups of people and allow greater connections between participants, volunteers and this country. This experience allows participants to strengthen their connection to Australia and ultimately to feel more at home in their new country.