The Team

Meet the team of cyclists who are participating in the Project Hope China 2008 Olympic Charity Ride. All have a common passion to undertake physical challenges while raising money and providing much needed support to the community.

Andrew Buxton

Andrew Buxton is Managing Director of MAB Corporation, a Melbourne based mid-sized property development company, specializing in residential (NewQuay), industrial, commercial and mixed-used (University Hill).

Andrew has a civil engineering degree from the University of Melbourne and began his career in the quarry and asphalt industry as co-Managing Director of the Associated Quarries and Asphalts Group between 1974 and 1988. Andrew diversified into property development and co-founded MAB Corporation (MAB) with his brother Michael in 1995 and has over 20 years experience in the property industry.

Andrew does not sit on any external Boards, however helps out with some charitable organisations and co-chairs The Michael & Andrew Buxton Foundation.

Andrew does not like to ride more than 100km per day and rode to Sydney for the 2000 Olympics – YES 100km is his limit. He expects to play bridge each night on the trip.

Paul Denver

Paul is director and founder of Denver Real Estate Pty Ltd.

Paul has been a Real Estate agent for 20 years, most of which he was a director of one of Melbourne’s oldest and leading Real Estate firms. He holds a Real Estate license and is a full member of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV). Paul has been a senior auctioneer since 1996 and is regarded within the industry as being one of Melbourne’s premier auctioneers.

Michael Gannon

Michael has been involved in the apparel industry for 25 years – brands include Perri Cutten, Tommy Hilfiger and Blazer.

Michael is actively involved in community and social programs through Jesuit Social Services and various other education foundations. Michael enjoys spending time with his family and cycling, playing golf and skiing with his four adult children.

Mark Goldblatt

Mark is a barrister at the Victorian Bar specialising in intellectual property and Trade Practices matters. He has worked as a barrister since 1991. Prior to that he did a Master of Laws in London and worked in Munich, Germany in the intellectual property field.

Mark raises money for charity each year cycling in the Murray to Moyne Charity Bike Ride (Mildura to Port Fairy). He also annually cycles in the Tour DownUnder stage event in Adelaide and competes in the Tour to Portsea.

Mark regards the upcoming trip to China as an adventure and a great opportunity to experience a fascinating culture from a unique perspective in the company of friends. However most importantly, he is looking forward to giving something back by building and supporting schools in China.

Peter Gregory

Peter is a surgeon specialising in the treatment of Breast Cancer. He holds attachments at a number of public and private hospitals in Melbourne.

Peter has held academic appointments with Melbourne, Stanford and London Universities.

He has been actively involved in cancer research through The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute and The Cancer Council of Victoria.

Peter has in the past supported Cancer Research however he is looking forward to being able to contribute to Education in China especially after the recent tragedy.

John Higgins

John is Chairman and shareholder in the Higgins Group of Companies whose investments include: property development, commercial painting throughout Australia and New Zealand, breweries in Poland and compressor manufacturing in the USA.

John is actively involved in the community and is associated with the following organisations:

  • Director – National Gallery of Victoria Foundation
  • Director – Camp Quality (a children’s cancer charity)
  • Chairman – Advisory Board of the Learning & Leadership Centre at Melbourne Grammar School
  • Established the Irish Chair of Studies at Melbourne University

Steve Lilley

Stephen is Managing Director of Stephen A Lilley Pty Ltd: Commercial Property Consultants.

Stephen’s business acts on behalf of investors, owner occupiers and tenants in conducting, market searches for premises and negotiation of acquisitions and leases, and sale price assessments.

Stephen commenced his business in 1992 and was previously a Director of Commercial Property at Baillieu Knight Frank (Vic) Pty Ltd – part of the Knight Frank International Property Group.

Stephen is a keen golfer and was a member of the Match Committee at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. He is also an active member of Barwon Heads Golf Club.

Stephen has played 43 of the 100 ranked golf courses in the world as published by Sports Illustrated and has completed various cycling events in Australia including three Great Victorian Bike Rides and The Murray to Moyne Overnight ride.

“I am really looking forward to the Project Hope China 2008 Olympic Charity Ride. I love the camaraderie of group cycling and this ride will provide an exciting challenge and a worthy goal to raise money for The Hope School Projects.”

Mike McKay OAM

Mike McKay is best known as a multiple Olympic gold medallist, five time Olympian and founding member of the Oarsome Foursome. He has won four consecutive Olympic medals as well as four World Championship victories.

In July 2007, Mike received International rowing’s highest honour, the Thomas Keller Medal, and was recently inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Mike has a Masters of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Applied Science and has worked across consulting, sport, corporate and private businesses.

You will hear, read and see him commentating at the Beijing Olympics for Macquarie Radio Network and News Ltd.

Mike is married with two children.

Mike is passionate about sport and helping others to reach their potential.

“I am thrilled to be making a difference by contributing to the education of young school children in regional China … your donation will help enormously.”

… if not me, who? If not now, when?”

Rod Thomas

Rod is joint owner and Company Director at Classic Projects – a well established Melbourne design and building company. He is also a partner in Holt Developments which locates and develops building projects both in Victoria and interstate.

Rod is involved in both residential and commercial projects and has a 30 year history in the industry. He is the current winner (2007) of the Master Builder of the Year, for the Best Custom Home over $1 million and Best Quality Finished Project in the Master Builders Excellence in Housing Awards.

Cycling is the latest in a long history of sporting activities that Rod has actively committed to throughout his life. He brings the same dedication he gives to his working life to sporting pursuits which have included golf, martial arts, skiing, sailing and tennis.

He enjoys linking his love of cycling with charitable pursuits and has been involved with the Giant Steps organisation for several years.

A member of the St Michael’s Grammar School Building and Planning Committee, Rod is actively involved in the evolution of his children’s school.

Peter Vial

Peter has previously held positions as Managing Director of Country Road Ltd, Chairman of Bendigo Mining N.L and Purus Energy Ltd.

He is currently a director of Facilitate Digital Ltd, Chairman of two small private companies operating in the Clothing wholesale and retail markets, and an active private investor.

Peter is a member of the Wesley College Investment Committee and the National Institute of Integrative Medicine Ltd.

“The charity ride to Beijing will be an amazing adventure and helping to build and support schools in China will be a fabulous reward.”

Bill Xiang

Bill is the CEO of ZTE Australia, joining in 2005 with extensive experience in doing business with China. Born in China, he arrived in Australia in 1990 as a student and fell in love with Australia. Bill now calls Melbourne home and is a proud Australian.

Bill is a novice cyclist and is looking forward to participating in the Project Hope Olympic Charity Ride. Bill believes investing in education is investing in the future.

“When I was a child, I walked for miles to school each day. I was lucky as not all kids could attend school in those days. The situation has largely improved in the developed parts of China, however kids in rural and remote regions are still missing out on the opportunity for education. Building and supporting these schools will benefit many disadvantaged kids for many years to come,” said Bill.

Facebook Twitter Youtube