Centrelink worker a peak performer
Queensland media release
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Sunshine Coast Centrelink worker Mira Grin is a step closer to achieving her dream of climbing the highest mountain summit of every continent.
After successfully reaching the peak of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro last year, Mira is now preparing to climb Chile’s Aconcagua summit – almost 7,000 metres above sea level, the highest point on the South American continent.
Climbing mountains is nothing new for Mira, who at the age of 6 became the youngest person to reach the peak of Bobotov Kuk – one of the highest peaks in Montenegro at 2,523 metres.
"My parents were mountain climbers so it was just natural for me to take to climbing," Mira said.
"Standing on a summit, I get a real sense of achievement and I’m at my happiest when I reach the peak of a mountain."
Mira took 6 days to reach the top of Kilimanjaro in September last year amid freezing temperatures which at one stage dropped to minus 20.
"When I got to the top, I slept in a crater next to a glacier which was just fantastic. I was the only climber there and when I woke up I felt like I was on top of the world," Mira said.
"It was very cold and the air was thin but the climb was fantastic and being so high and on your own was an awesome feeling."
Mira has also climbed Mount Whitney, the highest peak of continental United States, and is now preparing for her climb in Chile.
"I hope to make it up the Aconcagua Summit later this year and after that my next challenge will be in Russia or possibly the Antarctic," Mira said.
Mira has been with Centrelink for 14 years, the last 4 with the Social Work branch.
"I enjoy my job because I like helping people with their own achievements, no matter how big or small," she said.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.