Allendale Abseil
Urban Descent has evolved from the Allendale Abseil which was the brainchild of Adventure Out Australia Director Terry Hewett and well known Perth property identity Graham Iddles.
Their original vision was to encourage corporate entities and members of the public to abseil from the top of Perth’s Allendale Square building to raise funds for charity, an event which became known as the Allendale Abseil.
The very first Allendale Abseil was held on November 24, 2002 and saw 100 participants descend 135m (31 storeys) down the eastern face of the Allendale Square Building, situated on St Georges Terrace in the heart of the Perth CBD.
The event proved so popular that not only were the 100 places quickly filled, but what was thought to be an ambitious fundraising target of $50,000 was in fact doubled.
It has steadily expanded over the years. Participants from all walks of life take part, including individuals, schools, the corporate sector, media and sports stars. Since its inception, over 1,200 participants have taken the plunge and have raised over $1.8 million for charity!
Urban Descent has given these participants the opportunity to challenge their own personal limits while also helping the children and youth of WA.
The Allendale Abseil was unlike any other fundraising event in Australia and was awarded the National Special Events Award at the 2005 FIA Awards for Excellence in Fundraising. Unfortunately a change in ownership of the Allendale building early in 2007 meant the venue was no longer available. A new venue had to be found.
Urbanising the Descent
The WACA ground was selected as the best option – the event can now offer abseiling from the light towers and other extreme activities, including a flying fox and a Skywalk.
In 2005 Terry Hewett joined forces with Ralph Gurr (Director – Events WA) to form Urban Descent with the vision of developing similar fundraising events across Australia.
Expanding the Descent
In 2010 Urban Descent expanded into NSW with the inaugural Urban Descent Sydney event held at the AMP Building, Circular Quay on October 22, 2010, managing to raise over $200,000 in its first year for the Sir David Martin Foundation.
