Hawaiian Ride for Youth: Three generations do their bit to raise funds for youth mental health support

When Jeff Steketee took on his first Hawaiian Ride for Youth in 2013, he never expected it would become part of his family’s legacy.

Jeff, 61, and his wife Carole, 58, have done the ride 19 times between them.

And in a fitting celebration of their 20th ride, their daughter Noelle Goodier, 32, is joining them for the first time this year.

The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is Australia’s premier charity event raising funds for Youth Focus for the prevention of youth suicide and depression.

Almost every week one child, sibling, relative or friend under the age of 25 dies by suicide, with a devastating ripple effect across friends, families, and entire communities.

Youth Focus has been fighting to prevent that ripple since 1994.

The 4.5-day ride starts in Albany and sees cyclists stop over at high schools on the 700km journey back to Perth to talk to students about the importance of mental health.

“I was stunned and hooked from the moment I saw the first of our cohort stand up and just bare their soul,” Jeff said.

Carole’s first ride was in 2016, and their son and son-in-law have both done the ride, too. Their daughter Noelle has taken up the challenge for 2025.

“I’d say it’s almost become a family affair,” he said.

“We just wanted to become part of the cause.”

Carole donned the lycra for the first time at the encouragement of friends.

“When I first started it was mostly about the camaraderie,” she said.

“Little did I know it would become much more than that.

“What’s made me come back each year is the impact we’re making in mental health awareness . . . breaking down the walls of silence and stigma around mental health.”

Nearly 10 rides later, she said it’s as special as ever.

“Each ride is a powerful statement that says to kids the community really cares about mental health, the community is listening and you’re not alone,” Carole said.

“We’re committed to supporting those struggling with their mental health.”

Growing up with her parents undertaking the mammoth ride, Noelle said the Hawaiian Ride for Youth has always been in her orbit.

“Now having my own two young kids it’s given me all the more reason to partake, because it’s something I can do for the future,” she said.

Riding about 140km a day in hotter than usual conditions thanks to a low-intensity heatwave across the South West, Noelle said her first ride has been “the most incredible experience”.

“It’s been phenomenal, but very hot. At the end of the day we are truly tired, but our cups are very full emotionally,” she said.

And although she can’t quite reach the pedals herself yet, Noelle’s daughter Frankie Goodier, aged five-and-a-half, was eager to do her bit this year as well.

“She’s a very kind-hearted person, and she knows a part of this Ride for Youth is to fundraise,” Noelle said.

A big fan of making bracelets, Frankie used those skills to make “spirit bracelets”.

With a bit of help from mum, Frankie has raised more than $300 for Youth Focus selling the bracelets.

“All the riders who bought one have a bit of spirit with them when they ride, to keep them going,” Noelle said.

Reflecting on the more than 10 rides under his belt, Jeff said it’s evolved to become bigger and better each year.

And with people like his daughter and granddaughter well on their way to continue the tradition, he has no worries about the ride’s future.

“It’s not sustainable unless you can bring young people through, but I think it’s in safe hands,” he said.

This year’s 190-strong mob of 150 cyclists and 40 support crew will cross the finish line at Kings Park in Perth on Saturday morning.

Youth Focus (08) 6266 4333

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