Urban Descent

2–4 May 2008
WACA Ground, Perth, Western Australia

A Brief History

Urban Descent has evolved from the Allendale Abseil which was the brainchild of Adventure Out Australia Director Terry Hewett and well known Perth property identity Graham Iddles. Their original vision was to encourage corporate entities and members of the public to abseil from the top of Perth’s Allendale Square building to raise funds for charity, an event which became known as the Allendale Abseil—Dare to Care.

Abseil—Dare to Care

The very first Allendale Abseil was held on November 24, 2002 and saw 100 participants descend 135m (31 storeys) down the eastern face of the Allendale Square Building, situated on St Georges Terrace in the heart of the CBD. The event proved so popular that not only were the 100 places quickly filled, but what was thought to be an ambitious fundraising target of $50,000 was in fact doubled.

The event has steadily expanded over the years. Participants from all walks of life take part, including individuals, schools, the corporate sector, media and sports stars. Since its inception, over 800 participants have taken the plunge and have raised $1 million for charity. The event has given these participants the opportunity to push their own personal limits whilst helping the children and youth of WA.

The Allendale Abseil was unlike any other fundraising event in Australia and was awarded the National Special Events Award at the 2005 FIA Awards for Excellence in Fundraising. Unfortunately a change in ownership of the building in early 2007 meant the venue was no longer available for the purpose, so a new venue had to be found.

After much research, the WACA was determined to be the best option—not only can the event now offer abseiling from the light towers, but it also opens up the possibility of adding other extreme activities to the program, including a flying fox and a Skywalk.

Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation

PMH Foundation is the principal fundraising body for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), providing Western Australia’s only specialist children’s hospital with vital medical equipment, specialist services, capital projects, scholarships, education and expertise.

Since the Foundation was established in 1998 we have raised more than $17 million for PMH. In recent years, major funding has been allocated to a new pain management project, the establishment of the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre, and ongoing research. The Foundation has also provided nearly a quarter of the equipment currently used by the hospital.

PMH Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of all sick West Australian children. Increased demand on hospital facilities and the rapid advancement of modern medical technology means realising this goal is a never-ending task.

Youth Focus

Youth Focus is a West Australian, non-government community based organisation working with young people 12–18 years of age who are showing early signs of depression, suicide and deliberate self-harm and works with over 600 young people and 150 families each year.

The latest staggering statistics are that approximately 500 more people commit suicide each year across Australia than are killed in car accidents. These facts are indeed tragic, but are the harsh reality of the growing mental health problems that are affecting not only Australia, but also the rest of the world where it is estimated that depression will, by the year 2020, be the second largest illness in the world. (ABS—2004)

Money raised from the 2008 Urban Descent will support the funding of Youth and Family counsellors, the Mentor Program and research into the Peer Support Program enabling Youth Focus to continue their vital work with young people and families who are needing support and assistance.

How Urban Descent Works

The event is capably coordinated by a management team representing Adventure Out Australia, Outdoors WA, (Western Australia’s peak industry body for outdoor activities), Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Youth Focus and Events WA. This year the event will be held on Friday 2, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May 2008.

Upon registration for the event, participants in three categories—individual, corporate and school—commit to meet fundraising targets and to take part in an abseiling training session managed by Adventure Out, WA’s most successful outdoor adventure organisation.

To Register

Corporate teams can register their interest with Youth Focus on 9361 4222 or at youthfocus@yct.asn.au.

Individuals and school groups can register their interest with Bec Stewart from the PMH Foundation on 9489 1121 or at rebecca.stewart@pmhfoundation.com.