For thirty years, Youth Focus has been committed to improving the mental health of young people across Western Australia. Through delivering mental health services tailored specifically for young people and building community awareness, Youth Focus is actively working towards their vision of a world where a young person’s mental health does not get in the way of them being who they want to be.
Corporate partners have always played a key role in Youth Focus’ journey, and Youth Focus has seen first-hand the enduring benefits for both themselves and corporate partners. These partnerships help offer companies a powerful avenue to amplify their community impact – while helping Youth Focus to continue to deliver trusted mental health services to young people.
A standout example of a company’s potential involvement is the annual Hawaiian Ride for Youth, Youth Focus’ flagship fundraising event. Each year, more than 150 riders' cycle 700km from Albany to Perth over 4.5 days, stopping at regional schools to engage with students and communities and raising awareness about the importance of mental health and wellbeing. The impact is significant—since 2003, the Ride has raised an extraordinary $34 million for Youth Focus, highlighting the profound impact of sustained corporate and community support.
For 23 years, naming rights partner Hawaiian has played an instrumental role in the event, enabling thousands of young Western Australians to access life-changing services.
Richard Kilbane, Hawaiian Chief Executive Officer, reflects on the value of this partnership: “At Hawaiian, we are committed to creating thriving communities. Our long-standing support of Youth Focus, and the Hawaiian Ride for Youth, allows us to contribute meaningfully to the future of Western Australia. Young people are the cornerstone of our future, and we are proud to help provide them with the opportunities they deserve.”
In 2025, other notable Western Australian companies in AVOCA Insurance & Risk and Budget Car Rentals will celebrate 20 years of partnership with the Hawaiian Ride for Youth. Their long-standing commitment - through both active involvement and financial support - reflects their dedication to mental wellness, not only within their own organisations, but across the wider community.
Charlie Elders, Managing Director of AVOCA Insurance & Risk, is proud of their company’s commitment: “As a community, the support Youth Focus provides to young people is so important, especially in the current times. My motivation to support the work that Youth Focus produces hasn’t waned, and I am particularly proud of the commitment our company has made since 2005.”
Values-driven partnerships extend beyond financial contributions; they create shared value for businesses and the communities they serve. Partnering with Youth Focus is an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young Western Australians, strengthening the communities they operate in and committing to long term social investment.
For Ian Olson, non-executive chairman at Good Drinks Australia, partnering with the Hawaiian Ride for Youth helps connect with his team: “With so many of our team either young people, or closely connected to young people, being involved in the Ride is an opportunity for us to have the conversation about the importance of mental health. We want our team to know that there are organisations like Youth Focus who offer accessible and trusted mental health services, whether it is for themselves or someone they know, so that if they need it, they know where to go.”
Companies can get involved in a number of ways, whether through establishing a formal partnership, organising a fundraising event, donating in-kind, or sharing information and resources to improve awareness and understanding. However they choose to get involved, corporate partners to Youth Focus play a crucial role in making a lasting impact on young people facing mental health challenges, as well as their families and communities.
Today, corporate social responsibility is no longer considered a discretionary initiative, but a requirement and cornerstone of sustainable business success. Being involved in driving meaningful social change enhances business performance and connection with staff, clients, partners and the community.
By Youth Focus
