Tower One Barangaroo Sydney 2024

Tower One 2024: Scaling New Heights for a Cause

On August 4, 2024, Tower One at Barangaroo in Sydney hosted 366 stair climbers for a charity event supporting Giant Steps Sydney, scaling 1,000 steps across 40 floors. The event raised over $149,000, an incredible show of support for Giant Steps' mission to empower and educate children and adults with autism through specialized programs. For over 30 years, Giant Steps Sydney has been a lifeline to countless families, fostering communication, independence, and confidence in children and adults with autism.

The Day Before: Setting the Stage for Climb Day

Excitement was high as the Stair Climbing Australia (SCA) team set up our booth, decorated in our green and gold, which stood out even more this year amidst the thrill of the Paris Olympics. Aussie pride was palpable, reminding us of our shared spirit and goals as we rallied to represent and support our stair-climbing community.

Climb Day: A Unique Start

With a 10 a.m. start, participants gathered early, buzzing with excitement and camaraderie. By 9 a.m., the crowd swelled, and participants lined up for bib pickup and snapped photos, many reconnecting after last year's climb. As always, SCA members stood out in our distinctive tops, embodying the joy of being part of such an uplifting tribe.

Soon, the elite climbers were called to the start line, setting the tone for an intense race. The elite men raced through Tower One's 40 floors in minutes, and the results were thrilling:

Elite Men’s Winners

  • 1st Place: Adam Ryan - 5:22

  • 2nd Place: Jackson Bentley - 5:43

  • 3rd Place (Tie): Andrew Heyden - 6:05, Steve Bentley - 6:05

Elite Women’s Winners

  • 1st Place (Tie): Amber Thompson, Rebecca Wright - 7:45

  • 3rd Place: Sahana Ramesh - 7:54

These elite climbers embody the grit and speed that make stair climbing an incredible sport, bringing energy and competition to every step.

SCA Community Shines

The SCA community truly went above and beyond at Tower One, showcasing both the stamina and camaraderie that defines our tribe. With both single and multi-climbers taking on Tower One, here are the incredible SCA participants and their ascents, listed from most to fewest:

  • John Du Boulay: 11 ascents

  • Alison Hill: 7 ascents

  • Janet Goodwin: 5 ascents

  • Kaye Robinson: 4 ascents

  • Steve Southon: 4 ascents

  • Maria Pia Piemontese: 4 ascents

  • Danielle Di Rosa: 4 ascents

  • Marcus Welsh: 3 ascents

  • Amber Thompson: 2 ascents

  • Jackson Bentley: 2 ascents

  • Marcus Burgess: 2 ascents

  • Grayson O’Connor: 2 ascents

  • Steven Bentley: 2 ascents

  • Jonathan Englert: 2 ascents

  • Benji Burgess

  • Kevin Thompson

  • Frank Cervi

  • Brian Wilson

  • Josh Freer

  • Tee Reid

  • Trina Welsh

This powerful lineup of climbers displayed dedication and heart, with each participant conquering the 40 floors, building the incredible energy and sense of accomplishment we felt as a group. From single climbs to multiple ascents, each individual added their own strength to the event, proving that when we climb together, we reach new heights.

Thank you to each and every SCA member who turned out to represent our community, proudly sporting the green and gold and making this event memorable.

A Family Affair: The Wilsons Take on Tower One

One of the day’s most unforgettable moments came from Brian Wilson, who took on the Tower One climb with his family quite literally in tow! Brian carried 2-year-old Lachlan on his back and 8-month-old twins Madelyn and Elliot strapped in front, while his 5-year-old daughter Nicola tackled the stairs on her own, bursting with enthusiasm and sass for her first-ever climb. It was a truly heartwarming sight that brought smiles to everyone around.

Brian exemplified the love of family and his unstoppable passion for stair climbing, all while embodying the spirit of pushing boundaries. Major kudos to Brian and the entire Wilson family for such an inspiring display of dedication! And a special shout-out to Samantha Wilson, who continuously supports Brian’s adventurous pursuits and created custom SCA tops for the little ones.

Thank you, Samantha and the whole Wilson family, for bringing such joy and inspiration to this event. Together, you made Tower One 2024 a climb to remember!

Tower One and Giving Back

Tower One at Barangaroo isn’t just an iconic structure but a vital part of our community as it opens its doors to these events that inspire connection and growth. The chance to climb Tower One is a gift to our community, allowing us to challenge ourselves while giving back to those in need.

Thank You to the Organisers and Volunteers

A massive thank you to Steve Corrie of Stair Challenge Australia for organising another brilliant event, along with his son, Sam ("Son of Steve"), who is following in his father's footsteps. We’re grateful for the volunteers whose cheers and support powered us up each flight of stairs, and to the entire SCA tribe whose passion and pride for green and gold left a lasting impression.

Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported. Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time.

Stair Climbing Australia