AMP Foundation's 'Aussie first' $1m zip-line

Registrations are now open for The AMP Foundation Big Zipper – said to be an Australian-first, building-to-building charity zipline, spanning the rooftops of AMP’s two skyscrapers at Sydney’s Circular Quay.
The event, to be held on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 October this year, has been developed to celebrate 25 years of the AMP Foundation supporting the community and will help to raise at least $1 million for 15 outstanding Australian charities.
AMP Foundation’s 15 community partners will be the beneficiaries of the fundraising including: The Brotherhood of St Laurence; Cancer Council NSW; Clontarf Foundation; CREATE Foundation; Ganbina, Social Ventures Australia; The Funding Network Australia; First Australians Capital; Global Sisters; STREAT; The Conversation; The Stroke Association of Victoria; Vanguard Laundry Services; and Wesley Mission.
Only 200 places are available for people to soar from 47-storeys above the city, with each participant required to fundraise at least $5,000 for one of the 15 charities.
“We’re aiming to raise $1 million from this once-in-a-lifetime event, to celebrate AMP Foundation’s 25th anniversary. AMP Foundation is covering all event costs to ensure every dollar raised goes directly to charity,” said Helen Liondos, AMP Foundation Manager. “It’s a high fundraising target, but one we think reflects the thrilling and unique opportunity this is.”
The AMP Foundation Big Zipper has a vertical drop of 75 metres and will span 125 metres between the two skyscrapers at a 45-degree angle. Participants will travel up to 10 metres per second, controlled by qualified roping instructors.
Managing Director of Urban Descent, Terry Hewett, said this is the first time in Australia a zipline has been done between two buildings with the specific purpose of raising funds for charity.
“The two AMP skyscrapers at Circular Quay are in an incredibly unique position. They are directly aligned to each other and have one of the world’s most spectacular views, giving us the perfect opportunity to develop Australia’s first building-to-building charity zipline,” said Hewett.