Thanks to a grant from the Milford Community Connection Program, the Operation Flinders Foundation will be sending a team of young people from metropolitan Adelaide on a life-changing adventure into the Flinders Ranges.
A Shared Commitment to Youth and Community
Cheryl Crabtree, Administration Manager at Adelaide Investment Advisors, nominated Operation Flinders for the grant after participating in their fundraising events alongside Financial Advisers Scott McConville & Barry Crabtree. “We really believe in the importance and proven success of their work with troubled and disadvantaged youth,” says Cheryl. “We’ve taken part in their walks in the past—including the 50km, 100km, and 20km events—and have seen first-hand the heart and impact behind the cause.”
The City to Summit walk, Operation Flinders’ major annual fundraiser, is where the connection between Cheryl and the charity was solidified. Corporate teams—including members of Adelaide Investment Advisors—are guided by Operation Flinders volunteers and often accompanied by young people who’ve completed the program, offering a powerful window into its transformational impact.
Making a Lasting Impact
With the help of the Milford Community Connection Program, Operation Flinders will now be able to fund the full participation of a team of young people in one of their 8-day outdoor adventure therapy programs. The immersive experience takes place in the northern Flinders Ranges, covering around 80km of trekking and including activities such as abseiling, bush survival, Indigenous culture, and high ropes challenges.
“These young people are dealing with a range of complex barriers—from disengagement with education to mental health and social isolation,” says Jonathon Robran, Business Development Manager at Operation Flinders. “Our programs are designed to provide not just challenge, but a supportive and inclusive environment that helps them rebuild confidence and discover what they’re capable of.”
Strengthening Purpose Through Challenge
The new funding means that more participants can benefit from the transformative power of nature-based learning. “They sleep under makeshift shelters, engage in team-based challenges, and begin to set post-program goals that change their life trajectory,” explains Jonathon. “What’s most rewarding is seeing them realise they are capable of far more than they believed.”
And the benefits don’t end when the trek is over. Operation Flinders offers ongoing support to help these young people build positive pathways toward employment, education, and community engagement.
Looking to the Future
For Cheryl, being part of this program is about more than giving back—it’s about creating meaningful change. “As a small family business, we love that we can participate in assisting our favourite charities more than we could on our own.”
“We feel honoured not only to apply but to have our nomination be successful. The Milford Community Connection Program is a genuine and generous way of giving back.”
Jonathon echoes the sentiment. “This grant validates the importance of our work and gives us the means to help young people flourish. We’re incredibly grateful to Milford and Adelaide Investment Advisors for backing our mission.”
About Operation Flinders Foundation
Established in 1991, Operation Flinders is a South Australian-based charity that transforms the lives of young people aged 13–18 through outdoor adventure therapy. The organisation works with youth facing significant social, emotional, or developmental challenges, offering programs that build resilience, leadership, self-belief, and connection. With a strong focus on inclusion—including participants from Indigenous backgrounds—Operation Flinders creates powerful experiences that support long-term growth and community wellbeing.
