Human Excellence Project
Statement
Ms Caitlin Collins (Hillarys—Parliamentary Secretary) (12:54 pm): I rise today to acknowledge a grassroots initiative in the Hillarys electorate: the Human Excellence Project. It was founded by Paul Holliday in September 2018 and is supported by a small, dedicated team of volunteers, including wonderful Padbury local Joe Brennan. What they have created is truly something special. Its purpose is simple but powerful: to reconnect people to themselves, to each other and to nature. The group helps people strengthen connections and improve mental and emotional wellbeing through practical, inclusive activities such as ocean dips, meditation, movement, breathwork and group workshops. Each week, the group goes for early morning ocean dips at a local beach, often bringing hundreds of people together, which has become its signature ritual.
I want to highlight one of its most extraordinary recent achievements: the Ride of Our Lives. Finishing at Pinnaroo Point, six riders cycled nearly 4,000 kilometres from Sydney to Perth. They did this to raise awareness and funds for men's mental health and suicide prevention, which is an issue that touches too many families. Each rider faced immense physical and mental challenges, yet they remained committed to their mission every single day and on every part of the journey because they knew their effort could spark conversations and remind men they are not alone. For anyone who has visited Yagan Square recently, they may have walked through the stunning illuminated tunnel in the Christmas Lights Trail. This installation was created by its members to raise funds for its worthy causes.
The Human Excellence Project shows us the incredible things that can happen when community members step up and lead with heart. They are changing lives, destigmatising mental health challenges and bringing people together in ways that strengthen our entire community.
