For 10 years, the Central Park Plunge has been challenging brave community members to abseil 130 metres down Perth’s Central Park Tower on St Georges Terrace to raise funds for charity.
The unique fundraiser has generated more than $4.2 million since 2015, when the first participants took the 33-storey plunge.
This year, the Central Park Plunge has set a target to raise a total $350,000 across October 24 to 26 as “plungers” abseil in teams of four to support one of eleven selected charities.
Variety WA is one of the participating organisations and aims to raise $60,000 to help children living with disability to access essential equipment to help them communicate, get mobile, learn, play and laugh.
Last year, 28 people took the plunge in support of Variety WA and raised more than $75,000.
“The Central Park Plunge is a unique and unforgettable team-building activity for truly the best causes, and I encourage businesses to consider registering for the descent.” Variety WA CEO Chris Chatterton
Variety WA chief executive Chris Chatterton said he was delighted for the organisation to be chosen as one of the participating charities again in 2025.
“Variety WA was thrilled to receive the incredible support from our fundraising plungers last year and it’s so wonderful to be able to participate in this great community event and be among the featured charities again,” Mr Chatterton said.
“The Central Park Plunge is a unique and unforgettable team-building activity for truly the best causes, and I encourage businesses to consider registering for the descent.”
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KBCCI) chief executive Simone de Been participated in the Central Park Plunge in 2024, with her team raising just shy of $10,000 for Variety WA.
Ms de Been said the event was an exciting way to raise money for a good cause while also challenging oneself.
“It really was a fantastic opportunity and not too many people get the chance to abseil down a building in the Perth CBD,” Ms de Been said.
“I love challenging myself and doing things I don’t usually do, pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
“We are in a privileged position to be able to raise money for those who are less fortunate and give back in some small way, and it is also a good lesson for your kids.”
Ms de Been’s teammates were her son Daniel, her daughter Jessie, and Jessie’s boyfriend Sam.
Central Park Plunge participants abseil 33 storeys in the name of charity.
Ms de Been said KBCCI has worked with Variety WA’s Goldfields branch for many years, which has enabled the chamber to witness first-hand the work the charity delivers to the community.
“It was a privilege to be able to raise money for Variety WA – such a great charity to support,” Ms de Been said.
When asked to share her favourite aspect of the Central Park Plunge, Ms de Been said being able to participate in the experience alongside her family.
“It was fantastic to do something exciting with my family,” Ms de Been said.
“The Plunge really was fun, even the lead up to it when we were sitting and waiting with anticipation. It was a great view as well, I did hang and look around for a few seconds.
“You don’t always get an opportunity in life like this, so people should get on board and just do it.”
Anglicare WA is another charity involved in this year’s Central Park Plunge and urges community members to step forward to take part in the daring annual fundraiser.
The community services provider is aiming to raise $100,000 from the event to fund its essential services that support more than 100,000 people experiencing homelessness, poverty, family and domestic violence, and mental health challenges each year.
“Every dollar raised helps us deliver critical support and create lasting change in the lives of vulnerable Western Australians.” Anglicare WA spokesperson
An Anglicare WA spokesperson said the charity was committed to creating a fair and just Western Australia, through trauma-informed, person-centred care and systemic advocacy.
“Our involvement in the Central Park Plunge is about more than fundraising; it’s about standing up for those who are doing it tough,” they said.
“Every dollar raised helps us deliver critical support and create lasting change in the lives of vulnerable Western Australians.
“Anglicare WA is grateful for the teams and corporate partners that are taking part in this thrilling event and leading from the front to help make a meaningful difference.”
Funds raised for Anglicare WA would be directly used to deliver programs that provide safety, stability and hope to people in crisis.
Teams and individuals who are interested in this unique fundraising event can register for the Central Park Plunge today to support one of the participating charities.
To find out more about supporting Variety WA, visit: https://variety-the-children-s-charity-of-wa.grassrootz.com/central-park-plunge-2025-variety-wa
To find out more about supporting Anglicare WA, visit: https://anglicare-wa.grassrootz.com/central-park-plunge-2025-anglicare-wa
Other participating charities in the Central Park Plunge 2025 include:
Breakthrough T1D
Charlies Foundation For Research
Essential Personnel
Fiona Wood Foundation
genU
Guide Dogs WA
Parkerville Children and Youth Care
Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia
12 Buckets
By Hearts and Minds
