Where we came from

The Upstream Foundation was established in 2005 when business partners Gordon Hoen and Neil Tilley decided they wanted to make a greater impact in the community. After completing the Oxfam Trailwalker in 2005, Gordon conceived the idea of a 50km walk in the Melbourne metro area. The first Upstream 50km Challenge occurred in 2005 with just over 100 participants and raised in excess of $100,000. Over the past fourteen years, over 5,000 people have participated in the Upstream  Challenge and they have raised in excess of $2,600,000. The Upstream Foundation event was funded by Upstream Solutions for 13 years. From 2018, a2 Milk™ became the major sponsor.

Where we are going

The Upstream Foundation is a DGR registered, not for profit foundation and costs associated with organising the event are covered by a2 Milk™ and our supporters, allowing 100% of donations to be passed onto the beneficiaries projects. All donations over $2 are tax deductible (ABN: 20 796 698144). The Upstream Foundation selects the projects supported by the Upstream Challenge very carefully to ensure they have long term and sustainable impacts and benefits to the community.