Hawaiian Ride for Youth returns to Great Southern and Wheatbelt for 23rd year

Hawaiian’s mental health Ride for Youth is returning to the Great Southern and Wheatbelt for its 23rd year to spread awareness on youth mental health.

The ride will be completed by 150 riders with 40 support crew over 700km from Albany to Perth, kicking off on March 25.

Riders, aged from 18 to 84, will visit schools in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt to spread their personal experiences with mental health.

They will visit North Albany Senior High School, Great Southern Grammar, and Mt Barker Community College on Tuesday before splitting and riding to Perth along three different routes.

Riders will also visit Denmark Senior High School, Gnowangerup District High School, Kojonup High School, Katanning Senior High School, Narrogin WA College of Agriculture, and Narrogin Senior High School as they make their way to Perth.

Youth Focus chief executive Derry Simpson said the ride is a “symbol” of what communities can achieve for a great cause.

“Seeing both seasoned and first-time riders, including families passing on the legacy of support, shows the long-lasting impact we’re creating for future generations of Western Australians,” he said.

The ride is a joint initiative between Hawaiian and Youth Focus to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young West Australians between the ages of 12 and 25.

Hawaiian chief operating officer Richard Kilbane said the regional ride has grown since its inception in 2003.

“It’s amazing to see how the Hawaiian Ride for Youth has gone from strength to strength since it began 23 years ago, when Hawaiian first came on board,” he said.

“Hawaiian is proud to be part of something that has had such a lasting impact on youth mental health.

“We’re not just supporting a cause, we’re part of a movement that ensures young people know they’re not alone.”