This month we chatted to Castlecrag resident Ross Ellice-Flint, who is the founder of the well-respected financial services business Ellice-Flint Group based in Sydney’s CBD. He is also one of the key founding members of the 20/Twenty Challenge, which helps to raise much-needed funds for mobility and communication equipment for children with cerebral palsy.
He shares his local favourites with us and why he loves living in the area.
How long have you lived here and why did you choose Castlecrag?
Since 2001. Having previously lived close by in Willoughby we often went for walks through Castlecrag and decided it had to be our next move into larger premises.
Best thing about Castlecrag?
The first thing you notice is the quietness along with native flora and fauna throughout the suburb. This, overlaid by the village atmosphere of the local shops creates this relaxed feel.
Worstthing?
I honestly can’t think of any.
What’s your favourite café/restaurant?
Apera in Castlecrag’s Quadrangle Shopping Village
Best coffee in the area?
It has to be Ganache Patisserie.
Where do you like to have a drink?
Apera again!
Any local hidden gems you’d be kind enough to share with us?
We love the bush tracks intertwining the houses throughout the suburb. Sunday morning bush walks ending up at the shops for coffee.
What’s your favourite room at home and why?
The sunroom at the back of the house, which catches the winter sun all day.
What’s your perfect weekend?
Catching up with friends and family over a BBQ, after spending the morning at the beach.
If you had to live anywhere else in Sydney or the World, where would it be?
You really can’t beat living anywhere other than the lower north shore of Sydney. It’s close to the city, beaches and national parks.
And can you tell us a bit about the 20/Twenty Challenge and your involvement?
The 20/Twenty Challenge invites individuals and teams to compete against one another in a ‘triathlon like’ course starting at Shelly Beach, Manly. Every dollar raised goes directly towards purchasing much-needed mobility and communication equipment for children with cerebral palsy (CP)
I got involved initially back in 2004 to help my mate, James Hodgkinson design a crazy ‘little’ event to raise a few bucks to help kids with CP like his young nephew Alex, who were waiting up to three years for essential equipment. We wanted the event to be a challenge for all different levels of ability, but more importantly, be fun and inclusive for anyone. The event caters for individuals, families and friends but also includes corporates like Ray White Lower North Shore Group which has through the enthusiasm of its staff increased its participation to eight teams over their 10 years of support.
Rolling forward to 2021, James and I have been amazed by the continued level of participation and support by the broad “20/Twenty”community, which has continued to grow over the 17 years and funded over 3,500 individual pieces of essential equipment for kids and their families living with CP.
The 20/Twenty Challenge will be held on Sunday 21st March 2021. If you would like to participate or for more information, please visit www.20twentychallenge.org.au
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