History of the Organisation

Xtreme Getaways Australia Limited (XGA) was founded in 1996 by John Leard, a visionary leader who saw a need to establish a niche organisation to assist the work of other organisations working with our young people.

John believed that adventure, wilderness and the outdoors was one of the most powerful and effective mediums that an individual could take part in to learn important life skills, develop core values and grow holistically.

He also believed that the awe and grandeur of nature could heal and indeed change lives, as an understanding of 'who am I' and 'where did I come from' is sought.

And so a not-for-profit, public company limited by gurantee was born. Today it operates under this same structure.

A Bit About the Name

If something is said to be extreme, "it is of the highest degree, going beyond moderation, at the utmost limit".

As an organisation, XGA values excellence of the highest degree. We will go the extra mile to provide an outstanding, quality service. Exploring our limits and moving outside of our comfort zones is indeed a theoretical concept of growth. We are all capable of much more than we realise. The majority of the services that XGA provide, use structured adventurous activities and 'perceived risk' as a tool to achieving real outcomes.

The word getaway, means escape. Escape means, "to be free from, avoid, elude, get off safely or find a way out".

To getaway may mean escaping normal routine life, or a stressful home or working environment, or it may be a place where life's problems can be confronted head on and where a way out can be found!