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 - Western Australian
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, they 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.
For more information on Urban Descent in Perth and rasising funds for Princess Margaret Hospital for Children ring or email Sam Bramson at the PMH Foundation Sam.Bramson@pmhfoundation.com or phone the Foundation on (08) 9489 1100.
Sir David Martin Foundation - New South Wales 
Our vision is to create an environment where young people can grow up in safety, with hope and opportunity. Our mission is to provide all the resources necessary to enable young people to achieve their full potential, thereby influencing our community to do all they can to eliminate issues facing young people in crisis.
Our goal at the Sir David Martin Foundation is to get more young people off the streets, away from unhealthy situations and into care and rehabilitation. We aim to encourage in them a new sense of self belief so that they can face the community at large without the need for drugs, crime and homelessness.
For more information on Urban Descent in Sydney, ring or email the Donna Tunbridge at the Sir David Martin Foundation on d.tunbridge@sdmf.org.au or (02) 9219 2002
How Urban Descent Works
The event is capably coordinated by a management team representing Adventure Out Australia & Events WA with Outdoors WA (Western Australia’s peak industry body for outdoor activities) & the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation coming on board in WA and the Sir David Martin Foundation and AMP coming on board in Sydeny.
The Perth event will be held on Saturday 9th of April 2011. 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 before the big day.
Registration is easy!
Head to the Urban Descent website for more information. To register for the event, select the activities from the Extreme Choices Menu and set about raising money for PMH or Sir David Martin.
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Find out more
For more information visit www.urbandescent.com.au.
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