In March 2019, Team Citadel-MAGNUS will once again take on the gruelling 700km Hawaiian Ride For Youth to help de-stigmatize the topic of mental health, support the critical services of Youth Focus and build resilience in future generations of Australians.
Our Ride For Youth Team in 2019 will be captained by Citadel-MAGNUS Partner John Gardner, supported by King & Wood Mallesons Partner Nigel Hunt, BMG Resources’ Managing Director Bruce McCracken, Winston Capital’s Andrew Fairweather, Palo Alto Networks’ Manager Martin Harris and Image Resources’ General Manager Todd Colton.
The Riders have taken some time out of their vigorous training program to share a bit about themselves and what drew them to become involved in this life changing event, so settle in, meet the team and show your support for this worthy cause!
Name: David Hann
Position and Company: Self Employed – MD Hann Investment Management
Type of Bike (Make, model & colour): Cervelo S3 Black & Yellow
THE IMPORTANT STUFF –
How many times have you participated in the Ride for Youth? This will be my second RFY
Why the Ride for Youth? It’s just a terrific cause and a great bunch of people to generate a great outcome for the wider community.
Youth Focus talks about instilling resilience in our youth – who personifies resilience to you? The ANZACS and WWI / WWII veterans – to see what they did, endured and survived is inspirational.
What advice do you have for young people going through a tough time? I think just to let them know it’s normal for everyone to go through a tough time but that there is ALWAYS someone to talk to
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT YOU –
Where can we find you when you’re not at work or training for the Ride for Youth? With family, friends or the beach.
What are you currently watching on Netflix? Just watched a doco on the “Fyre Festival”. It’s about a promoter of a music festival that goes so pear shaped he is ultimately jailed for 6yrs and ordered to pay $20m….it was stressful to watch.
What’s the best fancy dress costume you’ve ever worn? Bogan Party – King –Gee Stubbies, St Kilda Jumper – sleeveless, Frullet Wig , DB’s and Wini Blues tucked into the jumpers on the shoulder…..
What was your first ever job? Glassy, Trade Winds Hotel, East Freo.
Finish this sentence: ‘If I could have dinner with anyone in the world it would be…’ apart from my wife, Elle McPherson
First cheat meal after completing the Ride for Youth? Fish and Chips with a bottle of Coke
To support David and this great cause, please click here.
Name: Nigel Hunt (aka The Ox)
Position and Company: Partner, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions Perth, King & Wood Mallesons
Type of Bike (Make, model & colour): Pinarello FP Quattro – Blue/White
THE IMPORTANT STUFF –
How many times have you participated in the Ride for Youth? This is my 3rd time.
Why the Ride for Youth? Fantastic event, makes a real difference to vulnerable young people in the WA community and saves lives
Youth Focus talks about instilling resilience in our youth – who personifies resilience to you? Aron Ralston
What advice do you have for young people going through a tough time? Speak to someone who you trust and has your best intentions at heart. If you don’t have someone like that, ring Youth Focus and speak to one of their counsellors.
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT YOU –
Where can we find you when you’re not at work or training for the Ride for Youth? Down south around Margaret River
What are you currently watching on Netflix? House of Cards
Have you ever broken any bones? How? Broke my leg playing football, dislocated my knee twice and snapped my Achilles playing mixed netball – ouch!
What was your first ever job? Credit control assistant
Finish this sentence: ‘If I could have dinner with anyone in the world it would be…’ Barack Obama
First cheat meal after completing the Ride for Youth? Soft shell crab sliders!
To support Nigel and this great cause, please click here.
Name: Andrew Fairweather
Position and Company: Founding Partner, Winston Capital Partners
Type of Bike (Make, model & colour): Cervello S5, Black and red
THE IMPORTANT STUFF –
How many times have you participated in the Ride for Youth? This will be number 2 (so only once)
Why the Ride for Youth? At first it was about being part of a great movement and to meet people, having only recently moved to Perth. But the more I read and learned, the more R4Y inspired me to do more – providing support for young people who are struggling with mental illness, especially those in remote areas, saves lives – as a father of two young girls, there is nothing more important to me than seeing them live a healthy and engaging life, which is directly linked to their mental health. Our nation’s future solely depends the next generation – a life lost, is a loss for our country and I want to help in that regard.
Youth Focus talks about instilling resilience in our youth – who personifies resilience to you? Steve Jobs – started his business in a garage with no money and no one believing in him, was kicked out because of his “style”, only to return to create one of the world’s most valuable companies – massive issues along the way – a normal person would have given up
What advice do you have for young people going through a tough time? Seek help, as you are not alone. There are more people in the world who care about you than you may realise. One thing that worked for me was to find a trusted friend – someone you can rely on, or be inspired by – for me, it was my Grandfather – a man of great depth.
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT YOU –
Where can we find you when you’re not at work or training for the Ride for Youth? 5am in Cottesloe – swimming, stretching, getting ready for the day
What are you currently watching on Netflix? Marvel Daredevil – a tad violent!
If you were to make dinner, what is your specialty dish? Slow cooked beef cheek cooked in Sherry, red wine etc and pasta
What was your first ever job? Paper round in Melbourne – very cold in the mornings!
Finish this sentence: ‘If I could have dinner with anyone in the world it would be…’ Vladmir Putin
First cheat meal after completing the Ride for Youth? The Sago, mango and coconut ice cream dessert from Rice Baby
To support Andrew and this great cause, please click here.
Name: Bruce McCracken
Position and Company: Managing Director, BMG Resources Limited
Type of Bike (Make, model & colour): Colnago C60/ Matt carbon finish with white detail. Bellissimo!
THE IMPORTANT STUFF –
How many times have you participated in the Ride for Youth? On my second ride
Why the Ride for Youth? Any excuse to get on the bike! The real reason is to support the Youth Focus organisation and the wonderful work they do in helping our kids deal with mental health related issues. Also, growing up in country WA it’s fantastic to get out of the city and visit the country schools during ride week
Youth Focus talks about instilling resilience in our youth – who personifies resilience to you? Nelson Mandela. An extraordinary life story which exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity. It’s also a great tale of courage and forgiveness
What advice do you have for young people going through a tough time? You’re not alone. Don’t bottle up your problems whatever they are. Speak with someone you trust. There are people who can and will help – be it friends, family or the folk at Youth Focus. You’ll get through it. Just seek out some help.
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT YOU –
Where can we find you when you’re not at work or training for the Ride for Youth? Somewhere outdoors – mountain biking / skiing – when I can/ walking the dogs. Or alternatively snoozing on the couch – particularly just after the movie starts
What are you currently watching on Netflix? Suits. Or at least waiting for the next instalment
What song(s) do you know all the words to? I feel there are quite a few … but my family will claim I don’t know the words to any and just make it up as I go. There may be some truth in that
What was your first ever job? Working for CBH on the wheatbins during the Uni break in the country town where I grew up
Finish this sentence: ‘If I could have dinner with anyone in the world it would be…’ Ok, this is a little left field, and not technically in the world … but I’d go for dinner with someone on the space-station. That would mean I’m an astronaut for a day and could see the earth from above. Now that’d be something!
First cheat meal after completing the Ride for Youth? I’m not a big foody – so as long as there’s a cold beer involved I’ll be happy
To support Bruce and this great cause, please click here.
Name: John Gardner
Position and Company: Managing Director, Citadel-MAGNUS
Type of Bike (Make, model & colour): TREK, Madone Dura Ace 5.9
THE IMPORTANT STUFF –
How many times have you participated in the Ride for Youth? 2019 will be my 5th Ride.
Why the Ride for Youth? Initially it was all about the challenge of riding 700km, but once you get closer to the people involved and the cause, you realise that the Ride for Youth is actually a community on wheels, with a shared commitment to improving the lives of young Australians.
Youth Focus talks about instilling resilience in our youth – who personifies resilience to you? Brad Ness, Australian wheelchair basketballer and four-time Paralympian, is a great example of human resilience. He was a very talented sportsman, lost his leg in a boating accident and then found the strength of character to turn a dramatic negative into a life-changing positive.
What advice do you have for young people going through a tough time? Firstly, the tough times will pass, so hang in there and, secondly, keep believing in yourself.
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT YOU –
Where can we find you when you’re not at work or training for the Ride for Youth? With my three daughters and lovely wife… at the beach.
What are you currently watching on Netflix? Narcos (final series).
What is something you think everyone should do once in their lives? Play an instrument in a band.
What was your first ever job? Hungry Jacks, cooking the fries (and sampling them occasionally).
Finish this sentence: ‘If I could have dinner with anyone in the world it would be…Larry Mullen Jr’
First cheat meal after completing the Ride for Youth? Lamb and pesto linguine, with stacks of fresh parmesan cheese (and a side salad… haha!)
To support John and this great cause, please click here.
Name: Marty Harris
Position and Company: Regional Sales Manager WA, Palo Alto Networks
Type of Bike (Make, model & colour): Giant SLR – Black and Orange
THE IMPORTANT STUFF –
How many times have you participated in the Ride for Youth? This year will be my 3rd Ride for Youth ride and I have been a member of the mighty Citadel-MAGNUS for all.
Why the Ride for Youth? I had some challenges with depression when I was young. Navigating your emotions as a young person is hard enough without the burden of depression. I think the Youth Focus is an amazing charity and the cause is so important. I also love the ride week – it’s an amazing experience.
Youth Focus talks about instilling resilience in our youth – who personifies resilience to you? My beautiful Mum. She’s lost a husband and her youngest son, conquered an alcohol problem and her own mental health challenges, yet still walks through life with a big smile on her face!
What advice do you have for young people going through a tough time? Talk to people you love about what you are going through and seek professional advice. Sometimes life seems like it will never get any better. It does, but we all need support along the way.
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT YOU –
Where can we find you when you’re not at work or training for the Ride for Youth? With my amazing family and friends.
What are you currently watching on Netflix? Ozark: Season 2
What was your first ever job? Cook at KFC!
Any secret talents/party tricks? Sadly none
Finish this sentence: ‘If I could have dinner with anyone in the world it would be…’ Will Ferrell
First cheat meal after completing the Ride for Youth? Love a good burger or steak!
To support Marty and this great cause, please click here.
