Kimberley, WA — Seven mining executives have successfully completed a four-day trek through the rugged Kimberley region, raising $68,000 for youth mental health. The initiative, named Miners vs Wild, was organized to support the Perth-based organization Youth Focus, which aids children struggling with mental health issues.
The group of executives included Shane McLeay, principal mining engineer at Entech; Brendan Parker, CEO of AMPS; Murray Leahy, managing director of MLG; Darren Strallow, CEO of Bellevue Gold; Bud O’Shannessy, managing director of LiveMine; Kate Vaisutis, IT and cybersecurity manager at Idoba; and Luke Gleeson, head of corporate development at Bellevue Gold. Their expedition was guided by former SAS soldier Terry Hewitt.
All funds raised from the trek will be directed to Youth Focus, supporting their mission to provide crucial mental health services to young people.
Organizer Bud O’Shannessy shared his enthusiasm for the experience. “The outback adventure was incredible; it was so freeing to focus solely on finding food and a place to sleep,” O’Shannessy said. “It was an experience that resonated deeply with all of us.”
The trek challenged participants with treacherous Kimberley terrain, requiring them to navigate through vast gorges and engage in activities such as abseiling down a 35-meter rock face beside a waterfall. The group also enjoyed fishing for barramundi as part of their camping experience.
O’Shannessy reflected on the rewarding nature of the journey. “The trek was challenging but smooth overall. We had some great campfire conversations and enjoyed the rugged beauty of the Kimberley.”
Looking ahead, O’Shannessy expressed interest in expanding the fundraising event in future years. “We’re excited about the prospect of growing this initiative and involving more executives in supporting this important cause,” he said.
The successful event underscores the commitment of the mining sector to community causes, highlighting the intersection of corporate responsibility and outdoor adventure.
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