Newcastle man Kevin Buckley is heading to Fiji next month to embark on a physical, financial and intellectual challenge to help people in neighbouring Oceania.

The Greater Building Society regional manager is on one of nine people selected from Australian credit union and building societies, and the only Novocastrian, to participate in the 13 day 2012 Credit Union Foundation Australia (CUFA) Fijian Leadership Challenge (February 28 to March 8).

Mr Buckley will kayak around the Kadavu and Ono Islands for five days, staying in traditional Fijian villages, some on islands only inhabited by local people (the physical challenge). While in Fiji he will also meet with the Nasau Credit Union, Fiji Nurses Credit Union and the Fiji Savings and Credit Union League to share his expertise in financial management (the intellectual challenge). He will also undertake 100 hours of voluntary work in the Hunter for Cancer Council NSW and Heal for Life Foundation on his return from Fiji.

The financial challenge is to raise more than $3,300. All of the funds raised go towards the Oceanic Confederation of Credit Union Leagues (OCCUL) based in Fiji. OCCUL works to provide better access to financial services for Pacific Island people.

Mr Buckley said he jumped at the opportunity because it will allow him to experience the real Fiji, help local people to help themselves, give back to his industry and own community as well as challenge himself physically.

The funds I raise will help people to better access and save money so that they can send their children to school, have better nutrition, and care for their families,” Mr Buckley said.

“I hope I can also share some of my 27 years experience in the financial services sector to help Fijian credit unions to operate more effectively to help more local people,” he said.

“Like the Greater, Fijian credit unions are mutuals or co-operatives, set up to benefit local members.”

Mr Buckley said the Greater Building Society, its staff and other local organisations had been very supportive of his quest. The Greater has paid for his trip and is matching his fundraising. Daracon Engineering and Nelson Bay Rotary Club have also made donations.

He said he is trying to get into shape by kayaking on Newcastle harbour (PICTURE AVAILABLE).

CUFA is running three challenges this year. The other challenges are to Cambodia and PNG (Kokoda Track). Greater IT systems leader Jeremy Andreani completed the CUFA Kokoda Track Challenge in 2009.

CUFA is a not-for-profit development organisation that supports sustainable community access to financial services to empower disadvantaged communities in the South East Asian and Asia Pacific regions. It also runs a Childrens’ Financial Literacy Program, a Village Entrepreneur Program and an International Projects Fund. 2012 is the International Year of Co-operatives. Visit www.cufa.com.au

For more information or to donate visit www.everydayhero.com.au/kevin_buckley_5
 
Media information: Kevin Buckley on 0419299129 or Craig Eardley on 0437 477 493.