Things looking up for Urban Descent

Today is the big day for the brave souls who are taking part in the Urban Descent fundraiser for the Sir David Martin Foundation.

If you find yourself at Sydney’s Circular Quay today you may glimpse Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, descending from the top of the AMP Building as part of the challenge.

Toby will be joined by Sir David Martin Foundation General Manager, Jannine Jackson, and Missionbeat Manager Daniel Petsalis. For Daniel, the 87-metre abseil will be his first fundaiser involving heights.

Urban Descent begins at 8am, with the last brave abseiler landing on terra firma at 4.30pm. If you’re in Sydney, get along and show your support!

The Sir David Martin Foundation provides funding for a number of Mission Australia’s youth services. All monies raised will assist the Sir David Martin Foundation fund their youth in crisis projects. One of the Sir David Martin Foundation’s key programs is the Triple Care Farm, which provides an environment of peace and healing for emotionally hurt and troubled young people aged 16 to 24.

Triple Care Farm opens its ‘place of meeting people’

After many years of planning, Triple Care Farm has a new multipurpose facility to help students through their journey at the farm.

Ninety guests, students, staff, volunteers, project personnel and supporters attended the 20 September opening of the Buralga building.

Mission Australia's Triple Care Farm (TCF) has been helping young Australians overcome homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness or acute behavioural problems for more than 20 years.

Buralga's journey began almost four years ago when Triple Care Farm’s management realised that the growing demand for the service, and the increasing diversity within the program, would lead to a critical shortage of space.

The new purpose-built facility serves as a space for workshops, a training area for hospitality students, a reception area for families and carers on their first visit, and a consultation space for assessment interviews.

The name, Buralga, was chosen in honour of the traditional landowners – the Gundungurra. Meaning “place of meeting people” in the local language, Buralga was recommended by Adrian Shafer, a Gundungurra Elder and historical researcher into cultural identity.

Everyone at Triple Care Farm would like to thank the many people who have been involved in the building of Buralga over the past 18 months. The new centre would not be possible without your generous support.

Many thanks to the Project Management team:

Rosemary Smithson CEO of the Property Industry Foundation; Alec Horley, Property Industry Foundation Project Manager; Kirsty Bower and Karl Alderson, who are Project Managers from Turner & Townsend; Nic Skulander, Project Manger from Octavius; Jannine Jackson EO of the Sir David Martin Foundation; Leonie Green: NSW/ACT Community Services Director for Mission Australia; Wendy Hildebrand, Mission Australia Operations Manager; Max Ellet, our National Property Manager and Anika Ekholm, the architect who designed Buralga.

On your marks, get set, JUMP!

If you find yourself at Circular Quay on 22nd October look up and you’ll see some very brave individuals abseiling 87 metres from the top of the AMP Building in the adventure charity fundraiser - Urban Descent - for the Sir David Martin Foundation (SDMF).


At the fundraiser launch last week, Kitty Flanagan, from Network Ten’s The 7pm Project, braved the 26 floor AMP Skyscraper.  Watch her report in the video below...



Kitty was assisted by the Sir David Martin Foundation's ambassador, Andrew Lock, one of Australia’s most accomplished high altitude mountaineers.

“Kitty really proved that urban abseiling is a fun, safe and rewarding challenge. I am really looking forward to sharing this exhilarating experience with other adventure loving fundraisers in October,” said Andrew.

One of those fundraisers is our own Daniel Petsalis, Homeless Support Service Manager. “I’m taking the plunge because the SDMF supports a number of Mission Australia's Youth Services that I strongly believe are transforming lives.

“I have a passion for assisting Australia's homeless and disadvantaged people and by putting myself out of my comfort zone to help out and raise a few bucks, will be well worth it.”

Urban Descent will be Daniel’s first ever fundraiser that involves vast heights. “I’m not nervous as yet, however, I’m sure that when I get to the top of the building and look over the edge of the twenty-sixth floor I will be very nervous. It will be a huge challenge for me as I have not abseiled since school and even then it was probably only about 10metres!” said Daniel.

Everyone is encouraged to participate, or support friends, family and colleagues by sponsoring their abseiling challenge. Nominations can also be placed for your CEO to take the plunge or participate in a head-to-head corporate challenge.

To become a participant in Urban Descent, log on to register at www.gofundraise.com.au/-urbandescent

A $200 deposit is payable to secure your booking, and all participants are required to achieve a minimum sponsorship amount of $1500 prior to the October event.

All monies raised will assist the Sir David Martin Foundation fund their youth in crisis projects. One of the Sir David Martin Foundation’s key programs is the Triple Care Farm, which provides an environment of peace and healing for emotionally hurt and troubled young people aged 16 to 24.

Details for Urban Descent:

• Date: Friday 22nd October 2010
• Time: From 6.00am
• Place: AMP Buidling, Circular Quay
• Registration: www.gofundraise.com.au/-urbandescent