Meet the bold Youngcare supporters who are about to take on the ultimate test – trekking 230km across the Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert, all in support of young people with complex and permanent physical disabilities. Braving harsh weather conditions and endless sand dunes, they’ll face isolation and limited choices that mirror the daily challenges faced by the young people they are trekking for.
Get to know our courageous trekkers below!
Joshua Schaumburg
I love being a part of a team and the allure of conquering a significant physical challenge out in the desert with an amazing group of people was too good to pass up. I don’t have a personal connection to Youngcare but instead, like most, I have a willingness to positively impact others. I’m grateful that the trek has provided an avenue to achieve this.
I believe that going through hardship together is a great way to build connection, so I’m most looking forward to bonding with the other trekkers. Once the thrill of experiencing the desert for the first time wears off, I’m sure the monotonous of the trek will become the greatest challenge.
I have many people to thank. Most notably I would like to thank Brad McMahon, who has kindly donated a considerable $11,000 on behalf of Optimum Consulting. I would also like to thank James Caldwell from Hembrows Electrical, who facilitated a fundraising event that raised just shy of $6000.
Sean Munro
I am personally inspired by Youngcare and their mission to help improve the lives - I am personally inspired by the work that Youngcare does. Their mission to improve the lives of young people who require high levels of physical support is truly commendable. I believe that their work makes a significant difference in the lives of these individuals and their families. I believe that by raising awareness and much needed funds to support Youngcare, I am taking a small step in giving back to the Youngcare community.
No doubt this will be a challenge, both mentally and physically. However, I’m embracing it precisely because I have the capability and the good fortune to be able-bodied. I will embrace being pushed each day. I’m particularly excited to connect with nature and experience the remoteness of the Australian desert. The prospect of witnessing the stunning night sky, filled with countless stars, is what I am looking forward to witnessing.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your generous support of this great cause and the trek itself. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and I am truly grateful. I would also like to thank my wife, Jenna, and our three children for their unwavering support and for allowing me this wonderful opportunity. Their encouragement and understanding have been invaluable.
Wendy Jones
My genuine passion for the trek, raising funds and advocacy, derives from being a Registered Nurse, a proud Youngcare Board Director, personal connection with young people with disability and lastly… experiencing a period of disability myself with a significant leg injury and the exclusion and hardship that is the unfortunate accompanying reality. (years ago and fully recovered!)
So many poignant reasons of why I want to hike the desert for Youngcare and the people who will benefit.
I’m someone who incredibly appreciates nature and God’s creation. I can’t wait to experience the magnificence of the desert sky and land – conversely I know the desert terrain will be the most challenging to maintain physical and mental resilience for 9 days…
I’m determined to enjoy and embrace the journey, not just the destination!
Sincere thanks to all who have supported me; financially, logistically and positive encouragement. Love that you see the need.
Kate Dandridge
In 2023, I was deeply inspired by my good friend Marianne, who took on the Simpson Desert Trek to raise awareness for Youngcare, an organization supporting individuals with complex and physical disabilities. As someone who works at a Trauma & Behavioural based school, I have the privilege of working with children whose lives are defined by complexity and hardship.
Their strength and resilience inspire me every day. The trek is my way of stepping into their shoes, even if just for a short time, to help understand the challenges they face on a day to day basis.
In November 2024, as I began training and fundraising for this trek, my family received the devastating news that my brother-in-law, Tom, had been involved in a life-changing workplace accident. Tom is currently in the spinal care unit, working hard to relearn how to walk and adjusting to the physical challenges that will become part of his life.
While this journey holds personal significance for me, I’m especially looking forward to the sunrises and sunsets of the desert, the beauty of the red sand, and the time for solitude and reflection. This trek will be a chance for me to think deeply and be grateful for the life I have, as I walk in the footsteps of those who face challenges far greater than my own.
I would like to express my deepest thanks to everyone who has supported this journey, whether through a $1 donation or a $1,000 one. Your generosity makes this possible, and I couldn’t embark on this adventure without you.
I would like to thank my Sponsors Nathan from Carpet One Goulburn, Tannicka from AG FARM & CO and Trent from Schaeffer’s Transport PTY LTD.
Barbara Kirby
Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected challenges at you – like starting a new job and, within days, somehow signing yourself up to trek 250km across a desert! But I’m a big believer that the universe throws opportunities at you for a reason, and when this one landed in my lap, there was only one answer – YES!
I was having a chat with our Managing Director, Peter White, when he mentioned Youngcare, a charity we’d just partnered with. I instantly lit up – I’d fundraised for them before and knew how important their work was. I told him about my aunty and uncle, who both ended up in aged care way too young simply because there weren’t enough accessible housing options for them. That’s not okay. Everyone deserves to live with dignity, independence, and choice.
Then – BAM! – fate stepped in. Peter couldn’t make the Simpson Desert Challenge, and suddenly, a spot opened up. Right place, right time, right cause. The second they asked me, I didn’t even hesitate. I had to do this.
Here’s the kicker – I didn’t even know this trek needed to be on my bucket list, but now I’m all in. I mean, what better way to push my limits than spending 10 days knee-deep in the one thing I can’t stand… sand? (Honestly, the universe has a real sense of humor.) I know it’s going to be tough – mentally, physically, and emotionally – but whatever struggles I face out there are nothing compared to the reality of young people being forced into aged care simply because there’s nowhere else for them to go. That’s why I’m doing this.
A massive thank you to my amazing family, friends, and the incredible FBAA team for cheering me on and backing me every (sandy, sweaty) step of the way. Your support means the absolute world – and if you haven’t donated yet, what are you waiting for?! Let’s do this together and make a real difference!
Pat Lane Mullins
We know many young people with high care needs would do anything to have this kind of freedom and opportunity. What often gets overlooked is that many disabilities aren’t present at birth – they’re acquired through unexpected events. Lives can change in an instant, and families are left to navigate challenges they never imagined.
Walking for 30kms of sand a day for 9 days is a pretty big obstacle! I’m looking forward to the silence, the stars and seeing what I’m capable of achieving.
Thank you to sponsors Finucan Lawyers and Bickerton Masters Architects. Also, thank you to my best mate of 40 years, Sean Munro, for putting this challenge in front of me. And finally, to my wife Alarna and family for supporting me on this adventure – the training, the fundraising and the time away from family!
Tim Lambert
Having seen the difference that Youngcare homes make to not only the individuals but their loved ones, that should inspire us all to support this worthy cause. This challenge is not a holiday and takes people out of their comfort zone to experience what it is like to be uncomfortable, not in control and in many cases dictated to in terms of what we eat, where we go and when we do it. The element of choice is so important for young people living with a disability and many of those choices will be taken away from us for 9 days.
Working with Youngcare to develop and design homes on a daily basis has given me a great insight into the needs of young people living with a disability. The challenges they need to overcome and the amazing people that help support them everyday is very inspirational.
I should say walking, as there is a lot of it but I think the solitude at times mixed with the companionship of the group will provide an amazing contrast. I am expecting quite a few highs and quite a few lows over the 9 days.
I’d like to thank all my supporters, the team at Youngcare and my family for putting up with me on the early morning training sessions and sore feet that came after them.
Thank you to sponsors CBIC, Newgate, and AQUIS.
Robbie Jones
I decided to take on Youngcare’s Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) charity trek, spanning over 230km, to challenge myself while supporting a cause that makes a real difference. This trek represents more than just a physical challenge; it’s an opportunity to push my limits and work towards personal fitness goals while helping raise awareness and much-needed funds for young people with high-care needs.
The harsh desert terrain and endless sand dunes will be a reminder of the challenges many face daily, and by participating, I’m able to contribute to a great cause that works to improve the lives of those who aren’t as able. It’s about using this journey to make a meaningful impact on others who need it most.
Corey Weller
I was inspired to undertake the Simpson Desert Challenge by my friends, the Boyd family. A lead trekker, a trek medic and a past trekker! What an amazing bunch of humans. A 230km trek across the desert is something I never would have thought I could achieve. Taking a moment to reflect on young people across Australia living with complex disabilities who are unable to live independently made me recognize my privilege in just being able bodied.
I can complete this trek, and I will complete this trek, to represent and raise money for those would require support for independence, equality and quality of life.
I have been a registered nurse for 13 years and have seen first had the situations disabled young people and their families find themselves in.
I am most excited to witness the magic of the Simpson desert from big blue skies and wide-open spaces to sunsets and starry night skies. I also look forward to getting to know my fellow trekkers! I am most apprehensive about blisters and giant sand dunes!
I would like to thank my family and friends who have donated to support me. I am astounded at how many people have contributed big or small to see me reach my goal. I would also like to thank MR Cattle Transport as my first major sponsor.
Cheryl Sorenson
I’m honoured to represent Deluca in the Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert Challenge for Youngcare, a nine-day adventure through one of Australia’s most rugged terrains. I’m taking on this trek to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for young Australians with complex and permanent physical disabilities. Having been inspired by past participants and motivated by my own fitness journey, I’m excited to take on this challenge and make a meaningful impact.
As Deluca’s first female representative, I hope to inspire others to take bold steps toward meaningful change. Youngcare’s mission resonates deeply with me as a mother: every young person deserves the freedom to choose where and how they live their lives. Your generous support will directly impact this incredible cause, helping provide dignity, independence, and choice for young Australians who need it most.
Tim Down
How did I feel when I found out I would embark on this adventure of a lifetime – excited, honoured, determined. For nine incredible days, I will conquer harsh weather conditions and endless sand dunes whilst I trek 230km across the Simpson Desert. I will no doubt face many mental and physical tests along the way and have little control over personal choice, but for me these challenges are only temporary, unlike those faced by the people that Youngcare support every day.
Young Australians with complex physical disabilities are being left behind in institutions and other inappropriate housing that is not suitable for their age or care needs. Youngcare advocate for equality for young people with complex physical disabilities, provide much-needed grants, design and build quality, specialist disability accommodation and support people to navigate the disability sector.
With your help I want to support Youngcare in their fight for freedom, dignity and choice for young people with complex and permanent physical disabilities to choose where they live, who they live with, and how they live their lives.
Stuart Owen
For nine incredible days, I’ll be taking on the adventure of a lifetime, where I’ll be taken out of my comfort zone, to raise much needed funds and awareness for young people with complex and permanent physical disabilities. Did you know that thousands of young people with complex physical disabilities are being left behind in inappropriate housing or institutions? It’s simply because there has been nowhere else for them to go.
My nephew Sam is 30 years old and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy shortly after birth. He is funny, thoughtful, happy and a total goofball. Since I can remember Sam always expressed that he would like to move out when he is thirty, not before, not after, thirty!
Sam turned thirty in December last year, with the approval of his NDIS Application, we are looking forward to being able to place Sam into one of the many Youngcare facilities in Brisbane. I have always been passionate about Youngcare and what they have achieved for people like Sam after following their initial location many years ago. Sam’s parents were watching a 60 Minutes story many years ago on how and why it was started. They have always agreed that when and if Sam decides he would like to move out we would like it to be through Youngcare.
Youngcare is fighting for freedom, dignity and choice for young people with complex and permanent physical disabilities to choose where they live, who they live with, and how they live their lives.
Peter Beaton
For nine incredible days, I’ll be taking on the adventure of a lifetime, where I’ll be taken out of my comfort zone, to raise much needed funds and awareness for young people with complex and permanent physical disabilities. Did you know that thousands of young people with complex physical disabilities are being left behind in inappropriate housing or instutions? It’s simply because there has been nowhere else for them to go.
Youngcare is fighting for freedom, dignity and choice for young people with complex and permanent physical disabilities to choose where they live, who they live with, and how they live their lives.
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