Charter Hall Malabar Magic

SPORTING STARS JOIN BIG BUSINESS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT RAINBOW CLUB FOR THIRD ANNUAL OCEAN SWIM

Sporting identities, local businesspeople, die-hard ocean swimmers and corporate Australia are deep in preparation for the third annual ocean swim, the Charter Hall Malabar Magic, to be held on Sunday 20 February 2011 at Malabar beach.

The Charter Hall Malabar Magic is the single biggest fundraiser for organisers The Rainbow Club, a registered non-profit charity that provides swimming and recreational activities for children with disabilities.

Rainbow Club Patron and Olympian Murray Rose heads the organising committee.

'This is fast becoming known as the friendliest swim on the circuit.  There's such a positive attitude among both the participants and volunteers,' he says.

To date, the swim has attracted more than 500 entrants, and it's anticipated this year will be even bigger, with swimmers to be joined by enthusiastic supporters who will be entertained by live music, a barbecue and fun commentary from the announcer team of Greg Pickhaver (HG Nelson) and Olympian Neil Rogers.

This year, the ‘family-friendly' event will be centred at Cromwell Park and Malabar Beach.

'The boutique-style swim, which is very appealing to swimmers ranging in experience, promotes strong community spirit and a sense of giving.

'Every dollar raised will help provide swimming lessons for disabled children, which is a great motivator. The people who take part know they're helping to make a real difference for these children,' says Mr Rose.

Returning to take part for the third time will be former Wallaby captain, Phil Kearns and champion blind marathon swimmer, James Pittar. Dedicated ocean swimmer and photographer ‘Glistening' Dave Helsham will also join the fray.

The event's major sponsor, Charter Hall, is currently developing the new $600 million residential development in the neighbouring Little Bay. Charter Hall has entered a corporate team for the event. 

The Group's Joint Managing Director, David Southon, said Charter Hall is delighted to be part of this annual community swim, with the Group already seeing some healthy competition developing within its corporate team.

'We are very proud to be part of this annual event which helps to provide swimming lessons for disabled children and promotes ocean safety to the local community. With ocean swimming becoming more and more popular across Sydney, I encourage local businesses to get involved – we have found that it does wonders for the team spirit,' he said.

This year the swim, which is part of the Olympus Fine Ocean Swimmers Series, will include two separate courses – a 1-kilometre course and a more challenging 2.4-kilometre option. Both swims start and finish on Malabar Beach.

Along with the increase in the number of swimmers taking part, the prize pool is swelling – and it's not just the leaders of the pack who stand to win.  Olympus is offering the first 100 entrants the chance to go into a draw for digital compact camera, while prizes for ‘first across the line' in each division include a double pass to the Twilight at Taronga concert packages and Guess watches.

Other prizes include a gym membership at All Sorts Fitness and a Speedo gift pack. There are also random prize draws for two night's accommodation at The York in the Sydney CBD, Captain Cook dinner cruises and a year's supply of Protein Superfood from 180 Natural.

The Charter Hall Malabar Magic encourages teams of four swimmers to join the fun, with prizes for the winning team in each swim.

For more information go to www.rainbowclubaust.com.au/oceanswim

Charter Hall Malabar Magic

When: Sunday 20 February, 2011

Registration: Swimmers can register online at www.oceanswim.com.au.

Start: Malabar Beach

9am: 1km swim 10am: 2.4km swim

Finish: Malabar Beach

Swim expected to finish before 12:00pm with post swim activities to follow.

Event organiser:                               Rainbow Club Australia

Major Sponsor:                                 Charter Hall

About The Rainbow Club: Rainbow Club Australia is a registered charity, which provides swimming lessons for children with a disability. These children have difficulty in learning to swim in the usual Learn To Swim schools.  Rainbow Club Australia consists of a dedicated Board of Directors from the commercial, accounting and legal professions. There are now  16 clubs located in Sydney, regional NSW and Geelong, Victoria. The aim and objective of each club is to offer a supportive network for young children with disabilities to discover new horizons through physical achievement. Website: www.rainbowclubaust.com.au.

About Charter Hall:  Charter Hall Group (ASX:CHC) is a property funds management and development company, based in Sydney with offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Warsaw and Chicago. Established in 1991 and listed on the ASX in 2005 as a stapled security under the code CHC, Charter Hall Group combines Charter Hall Limited with Charter Hall Property Trust, which owns and/or manages over $10 billion in real estate assets. The Charter Hall Group has achieved a solid track record across its activities demonstrating a 19 year history of managing wholesale and retail capital, making it one of Australia's leading property fund managers. Charter Hall's success has been underpinned by a highly skilled and motivated management team with diverse expertise across property sectors and risk-return profiles.

Charter Hall and TA Global Berhad are jointly developing the $600 million Little Bay residential project at Little Bay.  The development aims to set a new benchmark for architectural design and integrated masterplanning for coastal communities and developments in Australia.  The 13.6 hectare site, located 14 kilometres from Sydney's CBD, is anticipated to include over 500 dwellings, comprising houses, townhouses and apartments.  Stage 1 of the project is anticipated to commence in March 2011 and involves bulk earthworks, roads, services and landscaping.

For further information:

Holly Reynolds, Left Field Public Relations, 02 9331 6671/ 0409 462 112

Claudia Romero, Left Field Public Relations, 02 9331 6671/0403 507 262

Rachel Mornington-West, Charter Hall Group, 02 8908 4093/0434 604 590