The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics highlights that nearly 40% of young Australians aged 16 to 24 - which is over one million individuals - have experienced a mental health disorder in the past year.
This shocking statistic and their pull to make a difference led Komatsu employees Brianna Rennie and Kieron Hinsley to apply for Komatsu’s Live your Dream program, which provides selected employees with a grant of $10,000 to support a non-for-profit charity of their choice. This program encourages staff to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in their communities.
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The duo selected Zero2Hero, an organisation that is dedicated to educating and empowering young individuals to become mental health advocates and help the prevention of suicide in Australia.
As part of their dream, Brianna and Kieron participated in the Cape2CapeTrek, a five-day, 130km trek run by Zero2Hero between Western Australia’s Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. They decided to partake in the trek as they wanted to raise awareness for mental health and raise funds for Zero2Hero and the activities they run.
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“We learnt a lot about ourselves and each other on the trek, as well as the amazing charity that Zero2Hero is in supporting young people in Australia. This was a big challenge both mentally and physically, but such a rewarding experience,” they said.
Brianna, Kieron and their fellow trekkers successfully raised more than $70,000 for Zero2Hero, to directly support their youth programs.
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The Live your Dream grant also provided the opportunity for 25 school students to attend the In Your Head Mental Health Forum, which is run by Zero2Hero, and provides young people and teachers with a greater understanding of adolescent mental health and practical skills to support their own wellbeing.
“We are incredibly grateful for Komatsu’s kind consideration, support and effort toward our cause. Brianna and Kieron represented themselves and Komatsu incredibly well and we are very thankful for them both playing an amazing role as supporters of Zero2Hero,” said Oscar Wharton, Partnerships Manager from Zero2Hero.
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