Meet our Alumni

Peter Bland is recognised for his accomplishment in reaching both the North and South Magnetic Poles and as a major fundraiser for Australian charities.

In 1998 Bland, having previously ventured to the South Magnetic Pole, became the first Australian to walk to the North Magnetic Pole. Bland undertook the expedition a year after a major heart operation. He used the expedition to raise funds for the National Heart Foundation and is now the Foundation's National Ambassador.

He was honoured with the National Medal in 1998 for service to the community in hazardous circumstances. In 2000 Bland and his friend Jay Watson sought to complete the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic Peninsula, for which they had to scale mountains and negotiate glaciers. They had almost completed their objective when Bland was driven into a deep crevasse by an avalanche, injuring his pelvis, breaking ribs and fracturing his skull. Watson lay over him for three days to prevent him from freezing before rescuers eventually arrived. Suffering severe brain trauma, Bland required a year of speech therapy and physiotherapy for his recovery.

His adventures and subsequent struggles have been recounted in the biography A Step Too Far. He has also produced two television documentaries. Bland has raised more than $14 million for Australian charities. He now runs an adventure travel company.