Urban Descent

30 April–2 May 2010
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.

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 and Events WA. The event will be held on Friday the 30th of April, Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of May 2010.

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.

To Register

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