The annual Hawaiian Ride for Youth returns in 2026, and community spirit remains at the heart of this iconic event.
After more than two decades of generous donations, over 12 million kilometres cycled, and with plenty of compelling conversations raising mental health awareness along the way, it is inspiring to see the lasting impact on regional communities increasing the capacity for Youth Focus to provide services for young people across the Great Southern, South West and Wheatbelt.
A reflection of the Ride’s efforts in regional WA, this year’s event coincides with Youth Focus announcing new outreach services and locations in the South West, and expanded community events in the regions.
Twenty-four years on from the event’s inception, 140 riders and 40 support crew will band together on the 700km journey from Albany to Perth from March 24 to 28. Travelling over four-and-a-half days, the riders will visit 18 towns across the three pelotons – Coastal, Inland and Wheatbelt. And joining the ride from Mandurah is a fourth peloton, the 2 Day Challenge Ride, with 40 riders participating. Together, all 180 riders and four pelotons will complete the final leg.
One year out from the event’s quarter of a century milestone, the Hawaiian Ride for Youth is seeing the impact of years of dedication and generosity.
Since its beginning in 2003, a key part of the Ride has been visiting and speaking with high school students in regional Western Australia. It’s created a unique opportunity for community connection and these annual mental health conversations are now a cherished tradition for schools across the region.
Supporting young people is at the heart of the Ride, and the event has been the catalyst for positive change and expansion of Youth Focus’ services in the region. This year, Youth Focus celebrates new opportunities to support young people across the regions the Ride visits each year, including new outreach roles in the Great Southern and Peel and South West, the opening of a new headspace location in Manjimup, and a new service hub in Bunbury, in partnership with Foodbank.
Youth Focus CEO Derry Simpson celebrates the impact the Ride has had over more than two decades, and the power of riders engaging with regional communities to increase awareness about mental health and the challenges faced by young people living in regional areas. However, she says there is still work to be done, and the expanded support services are just the beginning.
"The need for mental health support in Western Australia has never been greater, especially in regional and remote areas" says Ms Simpson. "The Hawaiian Ride for Youth not only raises crucial funds for Youth Focus services in Western Australia, but also sparks important conversations in the community, breaking down barriers and stigma around asking for help.
“Each year, the riders not only commit to raising funds and awareness about youth mental health, but in visiting schools they are sharing the message that it’s okay not to be okay. Sharing their stories and experiences is such a powerful way to show young people that they are not alone; that there is help out there when they need it, and there are people who care.”
The Ride is an enormous challenge, with the riders taking on six months of rigorous training to tackle the 700km journey. Yet many say it’s a small sacrifice in comparison to the growing mental health challenges young people face. In 2022, almost two in five people (38.8%) aged 16-24 experienced a 12-month mental disorder, and only half of these young people receiving the help they needed. And tragically, suicide remains the leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in Australia.
In addition to an expansion of Youth Focus services in the region, 2026 will see an increase in local community events across the week of the Ride. Each of the pelotons will have the opportunity to connect with local communities, providing valuable touch points for community spirit and celebration of the riders’ efforts.
It’s this kind of grassroots engagement that inspires a number of regional riders to jump on the bike and join the cause, giving back to the Ride after witnessing firsthand how much the Ride has given to their community.
Richard Kilbane, Hawaiian Chief Executive Officer, reflects on the impact of the Ride over the last 24 years.
“Strong communities are built when we come together for causes bigger than ourselves. Supporting the Hawaiian Ride for Youth is about being a part of a movement that’s making a real difference for youth mental health in WA.”
“We’re proud to be part of an event that combines resilience, generosity, and community spirit to create a lasting impact.”
Each year, the funds raised through the Hawaiian Ride for Youth help Youth Focus provide mental health services to thousands of young people across Western Australia. It is a key contributor to making sure young people have access to trusted and professional mental health support, when and where they need it.
The Ride concludes at the heart-warming Welcome Home Ceremony, which takes place on Saturday March 28, where riders cross the finish line to the embrace of friends, family, and the community.
