Pedal to the metal for youth mental health

A cycling enthusiast from the Department of Education, who has been a driving force in helping to raise funds and awareness for youth mental health, recently completed a 700km charity ride from Albany to Perth.

Steve Tuohey, from the Department’s Media team, was one of 150 cyclists who participated in this year’s Hawaiian Ride for Youth.

The ride is held annually in March across five days to raise funds and awareness to support Youth Focus in assisting young Western Australians experiencing mental health challenges. 

This year, team members raised a staggering $2 million, taking the grand total raised over 23 years of the event to more than $33 million. 

After completing the ride in 2024, Mr Tuohey saw first-hand the support that is generated for Youth Focus and their mental health services in schools. 

Another year of training and group fundraising, Mr Tuohey said he didn’t hesitate to sign up again in 2025. 

“This year’s ride was another very rewarding experience,” he said. 

“We visited five schools on the way from Albany to Perth to promote free youth counselling services. 

“Riding the 700km between Albany and Perth is a breeze compared to some of the mental health challenges that young people are facing in their lives.  

“The opportunity to ride and raise awareness for Youth Focus services that can assist them is a real privilege.” 

Unexpected high temperatures of 37 degrees throughout the journey didn’t stop the cyclists from crossing the finish line.

“The ride itself was very challenging,” Mr Tuohey said.  

“Thankfully, the support crew did an amazing job of keeping us cool with cold drinks, icy poles, ice packs and super soakers.” 

While cycling through towns in WA’s South West, Great Southern and Wheatbelt, several cyclists shared stories about their own inspirational mental health challenges during the school visits.  

For more information about the cause, visit the About the Ride - Hawaiian Ride For Youth website¹.