Australia 108 2023

Conquering New Heights

A Recap of Australia's Biggest Stair Climb Event - Australia 108

The Australian stair climbing community witnessed an extraordinary event recently - the biggest ever stair climb in the country. Athletes from all corners of the globe, including Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Denmark, and the USA, gathered to take part in this thrilling competition. With participants traveling from various states within Australia, the atmosphere was buzzing despite the coldest weekend in two decades. Let's delve into the exhilarating details of this monumental event.

The Elite Showdown

As the day dawned, excitement filled the air, and the elites began lining up at 6:50 am. Wai Ching Soh and Ryoji Wanatabe showcased an intense battle throughout the stairwell, competing neck and neck. Ultimately, it was Ryoji Watanabe who emerged victorious, finishing with a remarkable time of 8 minutes and 41 seconds. In a nail-biting finish, Wai Ching Soh missed the first place by a mere 2 seconds, securing second place. Peter Reynolds, a first-time climber, impressed everyone by clinching the third spot with a time of 9 minutes and 37 seconds.

Women's Podium Triumph

The women's competition was equally captivating, with Serene Cheong claiming the top spot by conquering the stairs in an impressive time of 11 minutes and 56 seconds. Alice McNamara, making her first climb in three years, displayed exceptional determination and finished closely behind with a time of 12 minutes and 4 seconds. Another first-time climber, Alison Wooles, celebrated her achievement by securing the third position with a time of 13 minutes and 12 seconds.

The Grand Climb

At 7:15 am, the rest of the 600 climbers embarked on their arduous journey, conquering the 1700 stairs leading to the breathtaking 96th floor of Australia 108, the tallest residential building in the Southern Hemisphere. With an average of 17 stairs per flight and a handrail on the left, participants faced a challenging ascent. The gradient increased on the 71st floor for about three flights, testing their stamina and resolve.

Victory and Celebration

Upon crossing the finish line, each participant received a well-deserved medal. The organizers ensured an incredible post-event experience with an abundance of fresh fruit, water, great music, and, most importantly, a panoramic 360-degree view of Melbourne from the 96th floor. Stair Challenge Australia (SCA) provided a table for people to learn more about their organization, and their partnership with Giant Steps Melbourne helped surpass the fundraising goal for the event.

Unmatched Determination

A group of enthusiastic participants, driven by their passion for stair climbing, didn't settle for a single climb. Instead, they pushed their limits and ascended the stairs multiple times throughout the morning. Ten out of the fourteen multi climbers, who are members of Stair Climbing Australia, exemplified strength, endurance, and an unwavering drive that often seems insane to most but is a true goal for them. Congratulations SCA multi climbers: Alison Hill x 4, Lyndell Murray x 4, Kaye Robinson x 2 , Janet Goodwin x 4, Kevin Thompson x 4, Ed Manktelow x 6, Peter Walsh x 5, John DuBoulay x 8 , Arty Selvanathan x 3 and Maria Pia Piemontese x 2.

Celebratory Gatherings

After the event, approximately 28 people gathered at Ludlow Bar and Restaurant for nibbles and drinks, creating a joyous atmosphere. The staff at Ludlow's were warm and accommodating, ensuring everyone had a memorable time. Medal-clad participants proudly mingled, reliving their triumphs, and eagerly looking forward to the next year's event.

Giant Steps Melbourne

In a world where awareness and support for various causes are crucial, it is heartwarming to witness communities coming together to make a difference. Australia 108 Stair Challenge was an event that not only tested participants' physical endurance but also showcased the power of collective action. Giant Steps Melbourne, a remarkable school for children and young adults with autism, was the charity partner for this event. We celebrate the success of Giant Steps in exceeding their fundraising goal of over $250,000.

Giant Steps Melbourne is a Beacon of Hope for Autism. A renowned educational institution that provides specialized support for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. Their mission goes beyond providing education. They aim to increase community understanding of autism and foster inclusiveness for their students and their families. A dedicated team of educators, therapists, and support staff, Giant Steps creates a nurturing environment that empowers individuals with autism to reach their full potential.

The success of the Australia 108 Stair Challenge goes beyond the monetary achievement. It represents the collective effort and spirit of a community dedicated to making a positive change. The event provided a platform for individuals to challenge themselves physically while also embodying the values of empathy and inclusiveness. Together, they have demonstrated the power of unity and showcased the immense potential to create a more understanding and inclusive society.

Multiplex

We thank Multiplex, a leading construction and development company, has been actively involved in making a significant difference through its alignment with the Giant Steps Corporate Responsibility Initiative. Recognizing the importance of sustainable practices and social responsibility, Multiplex has made it a priority to integrate these principles into its operations. By incorporating environmentally friendly construction methods, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing waste reduction strategies, Multiplex is playing a vital role in mitigating the environmental impact of its projects. Additionally, the company has taken steps to enhance the well-being of local communities by investing in education, health, and infrastructure initiatives. Through its commitment to the Giant Steps Corporate Responsibility Initiative, Multiplex is setting a commendable example for the construction industry, demonstrating that responsible business practices can be seamlessly integrated into large-scale projects, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

A Grateful Appreciation

The event's success would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of Steve Corrie of Stair Challenge Australia, who organized a brilliant event once again. The committee expresses their gratitude to all the members who volunteered to set up and manage the table, as well as greet guests at the restaurant. Their unwavering support, enthusiasm, and pride in representing Stair Climbing Australia made everyone feel welcome and included.

Australia's biggest stair climb event left a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike. The incredible international representation, coupled with the fierce competition and unwavering spirit of the stair climbing community, made it an unforgettable experience. As plans for the next year's event already start taking shape, anticipation is building for an even bigger and better challenge.