Our Champion Supporters
Andrew Leigh’s An Ironman for IMF
Currently the most successful fundraising campaign this year
19606
Andrew Leigh - An Ironman for IMF campaign
3488
Most Successful Day for Andrew's campaign - 6th May
2000
Largest single donation for Andrew's campaign
2021 FUNRAISING SNAPSHOT
Andrew Leigh’s An Ironman for IMF has raised $19,606!
$22,600 Target
Dani Harmer’s ‘DaniRuns4IMP’ campaign has raised $9,282.40!
$42,000 Target
ALL OTHER FUNDRAISERS
Raised $17,884 since March 2021!
OUR FUNDRAISERS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Dani Harmer
Champion Fundraiser
Danielle is well and truly the personification of a local Canberra girl who has gone on to achieve big things in life. Danielle spent the last 12 years driving new digital revenue models and growth for media and real estate outlets in the US and Australia. Her career post-graduation has taken her from Canberra to Sydney to New York and back again, having been pivotal in growing iconic websites including The New York Times, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian Financial Review, just to name a few. Her current role is General Manager of Canberra’s leading real estate portal – AllHomes, where she manages a local team of 30 people.
A career highlight for Danielle was landing a job in New York City at The New York Times, as part of a team that launched digital subscriptions - the biggest strategic leap for the NYTimes in over 150 years. Danielle was the winner of the 2019 UC Chancellor’s Young Alumni Award, named in Brainmates’ Top 20 Leading Women in Product Management across Australia/NZ; and has been featured in numerous articles and accolades in the media. Danielle is now blending her career back home in Canberra with raising three young children.
Andrew Leigh
Champion Fundraiser
Andrew Leigh is the Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury and Charities, and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Prior to being elected in 2010, Andrew was a professor of economics at the Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard, having graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours in Arts and Law. Andrew is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences, and a past recipient of the 'Young Economist Award', a prize given every two years by the Economics Society of Australia to the best economist under 40.
His books include Disconnected (2010), Battlers and Billionaires (2013), The Economics of Just About Everything (2014), The Luck of Politics (2015), Choosing Openness: Why Global Engagement is Best for Australia (2017), Randomistas: How Radical Researchers Changed Our World (2018), Innovation + Equality: How to Create a Future That Is More Star Trek Than Terminator (with Joshua Gans) (2019) and Reconnected: A Community Builder's Handbook (with Nick Terrell) (2020). Andrew is a keen marathon runner, and hosts a podcast titled "The Good Life: Andrew Leigh in Conversation", which is available on Apple Podcasts.
Andrew is the father of three sons - Sebastian, Theodore and Zachary, and lives with his wife Gweneth in Canberra. He has been a member of the Australian Labor Party since 1991.
Adam Howarth
Chris Millman
Rikki Wilson of Adelaide has seen firsthand the difference that IMP has made, having followed her cousin Tahnee Sutton’s 2016 journey. She says distance running will be a challenge for her, as she has never run for more than 30 minutes before. Rikki’s excited by the prospect of setting a marathon goal and achieving it, and says the exposure she gains through IMP will give her the skills to develop fitness programs in her community. She’s looking forward to pushing her physical limits and making exercise available to other mums who don’t have money for gym memberships, but want to look after themselves and set a good example to their children.
Allirra is 24 year old from the Balladong tribe (Noongar Nation) and Gija (Halls Creek, Kimberley’s) who is living in Perth. Indigenous Communities, Education, and Awareness (ICEA) Foundation is a youth-led not-for-profit that strives to achieve national reconciliation through mutual respect for all Australians. Built on the three-pillar philosophy of providing positive experiences, facilitating genuine relationships and fostering greater cross-cultural understanding, ICEA’s programs and events empower youth to become reconciliation ambassadors in their local community, driving reconciliation into the future. Allirra was inspired by friend and IMP Graduate #59, Kimberley Benjamin. Allirra wanted to prove to herself that she could take up the same challenge and complete a full marathon, and also represent her family, community and people. She is determined to lead and be the example for young people to make them realise that they can reach and achieve their goals if they put their mind to it, as we know it takes courage to put you hand up and have a go at something.
Wade’s Indigenous heritage is with the Ngariga tribe and lives in Bodalla, NSW. Wade lives is a community where violence and drug abuse is common, and he is determined to use IMP to show people a different life and demonstrate that if you apply yourself you can achieve incredible things. He is extremely driven and very committed to training. IMP has been Wade’s target for the last few years and his determination is unquestionable, clocking up 20km training runs in the lead up to the IMP trials. Wade is the first person in his family to reach year 12 and puts reading the dictionary among his hobbies; again, with one goal in mind. “I had to come down here (to the trials) and be articulate, be formal not informal,” he said. He has harboured a burning ambition to succeed at the top level since he was a child, wanting to run for Australia since he was five years old. Wade believes that your past can make or break you and his past is what has made him.
Megan lives in Broome, WA, and is originally from the Kokatha tribe, near Ceduna South Australia and also has family connections to Alice Springs. On a personal level she wants to inspire her family and community to be more active and to assist in addressing a range of health issues, including mental health. Megan wants to see more Indigenous people speak up about mental illness and she wants to influence positive social change in Broome and break down the barriers between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the area. She has started to notice change in the last 12 months through the Broome Deadly Running Group setting an example and seeing the growth within the group as well as the positive messages and recognition within the local Broome community being active and achieving positive things. Megan applied for IMP in 2015 and since then she has worked extremely hard to improve and return for the 2016 trials. She consistently trained with Adrian and volunteered at every community running event last year. Megan is an incredible asset to the Broome community and her IMP experience will be fantastic for her and the Kimberly region.
Wayne is a Wiradjuri man from Condobolin, NSW, and very connected to the Indigenous community in Condobolin and surrounding areas, as well as Queanbeyan. Wayne initially heard about IMP through the Queanbeyan Deadly Runners, established by 2013 IMP Graduate, Georgia Gleeson. Wayne studied a Certificate II in Sport & Recreation delivered by Georgia’s fiance, Michael Weir, while he was living in the ACT. Michael recommended Wayne and commented on his leadership skills, being a standout within the group. Wayne has delivered programs to primary schools in the ACT as part of his Sport & Recreation course. Like his fellow squad members, Wayne wants to show his community that if you are prepared to make changes life doesn’t have to be negative. He is particularly keen to influence the youth throughout his area and he has recently started part time employment building furniture three days a week. Wayne thinks that being selected in IMP would give him a great platform to implement some positive programs through the culture centre in Condobolin. He said that through IMP, the community can realise that if you are fit and healthy and live an active life then opportunities can present themselves.
Saliman is from Hammond and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, QLD. He represented Thursday Island at the National Deadly Fun Run championships in 2015 and is a member of the TI Deadly runners, established by 2014 IMP Graduates, Elsie Seriat and Harold Matthew. He has also volunteered at every event that has been held on the Island in the past 12 months since missing out on the 2015 squad. Since his previous trial in 2015, he has continued to run, contribute to his community through volunteer activities and has done everything in his power to strengthen his application for 2016. Saliman loves the transformation that has occurred on Thursday Island since Harold and Elsie were selected in the 2014 squad and wants to continue to drive the impact that the running group is having on the Island. He thinks Thursday Island’s running culture is growing considerable and wants to focus his attention on the other Islands within the Torres Strait, so he spends time on the outer Islands through his work and believes he can have a positive influence in this area. Saliman has Certificate III in Aged care, Disability Services and Children Services as well as a Certificate IV in Business. Saliman is a great candidate to continue the legacy started by Elsie, Harold and Alicia up in the Torres Strait.
Tahnee lives in Adelaide and is from the York Penninsula tribe of Nerunga. Her motivation to be part of the IMP was born from an aspiration to be a strong community leader. Despite applying to be part of IMP, which she has followed for a number of years, she has never been able to attend the trials. Tahnee was raised by her grandparents – her Grandfather who is an Arrernte Man from Alice Springs and Grandmother, an Nerunga woman. Tahnee attended Salisbury High School in Adelaide and following the completion of Year 12, she has completed a Certificate III in Business. Tahnee started running a few years ago to help her overcome significant adversity in her life. She couldn’t believe the way it assisted her change in thinking and is quite a competent runner. Tahnee is passionate about assisting to address the ICE issues in her community and feels that sport is an integral avenue to engage the youth to show them positive pathways and assist them in making positive life choices.
Jesse is a Ngunnawal (Canberra, ACT) man and previously applied for IMP in 2015, narrowly missing out. Jesse grew up with his father in the Mt Druitt suburb of Hassle Grove, is highly passionate about IMP’s vision and wants to use the IMP platform to empower his community. Growing up, Jesse used to spend much of his time catching the train to Cronulla beach to swim and exercise. He found this a great way to create a positive environment for himself when life became challenging particularly within his community. Jesse is extremely committed to training and sets himself high standards to achieve. He is currently studying Physiotherapy at University. Jesse believes that success is a result of a cycle of potential, belief, action and results. He is currently training his family members to live active and healthy lifestyles.
Kimba is from the Yawuru/Bardi / Kija tribe from Broome, Western Australia, currently living in Perth, WA. Kimba was born and raised in Broome and has been heavily inspired by 2014 IMP Graduate, Adrian Dodson-Shaw. She has no running background, trained for two months leading into the trials and her effort was incredible. Kimba is very passionate about being a strong female Yawuru woman and made the point that strong tribes are built around strong leaders and she is passionate about becoming a strong leader for her people, and the wider WA community. She finished secondary school in Perth and is very connected to the Indigenous community in Broome and Perth. Through her work she mentors Indigenous girls in secondary school, she is deeply passionate about inspiring children in Perth and Broome areas. Kimba has completed a bachelor of Art / Journalism and would like to work in journalism in the future to promote positive messages and give her people a platform to break down negative stereotypes. In 2011 Kimba travelled to Fiji as a community volunteer to assist communities strengthen their resources, she was involved in redeveloping a school and teaching the children. It is very evident that she is a very strong young woman with incredible potential.
Billy’s Indigenous heritage includes the Gundijmara/Yorta Yorta tribes. He lives with his partner and is looking forward to the birth of his first child in August. Billy is a program manager at Lake Condah Mission which is on Gundijmara country. There is a family history of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles in his family. Billy is committed to addressing the level of inactivity and chronic disease in his area, and is setting the example by recently losing 20kg. Billy wants to inspire his family and community to live a healthier lifestyle and address the high consumption of alcohol in his community. Billy has a Certificate III in Carpentry and is passionate about developing his skills and becoming a positive leader for his community.
Jacinta ‘s tribe is Wangkumurra – (SA, NSW, QLD borders) Far North West NSW, grew up in the outback NSW town of Bourke where she currently lives with her partner and their baby girl, Charlie. Jacinta is very connected to the Indigenous community in Melbourne and her home town of Bourke in NSW. Her selection and involvement in IMP will have a significant impact in both communities which is a real bonus as they are very different communities being very urban and the other very remote. Jacinta does not know anyone in her region that has ever taken on something like IMP and wants to take up the challenge to expose her community in Bourke to a different path. “I want to show them that it is ok to have a dream and I feel I owe it to my family and community to be a role model and improve the self-esteem of my community,” she said. Jacinta’s long-term goal is to work in education and focus on Indigenous engagement.
Kristika is from the Wadi Wadi tribe of Wreck Bay, NSW (half an hr outside Nowra) and has overcome significant adversity in her life. Kristika grew up at Rec Bay mission with her mother before moving to Sydney where she faced a number of challenges. After overcoming hardship during her time in Sydney, she returned to live at Wreck Bay Mission in 2008 where she enrolled in education courses. Kristika now holds a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care, Certificate III in Business Admin and Certificate III in Pathology. Kristika works full time as an Aboriginal Health Worker specialising in Chronic Disease and regularly attends the Warminda Women’s Shed in Nowra exercising and mentoring other Indigenous women within the community. She has an incredible support network and is a great role model. Kristika said that she desperately wanted to be part of IMP to try overcome some barriers that exist in her life, so she can help other people do the same.
Zibeon is proof that you can never ever give up. A Pinjanjatjara/Yanykunytjara man from Mimili in the APY Lands, SA, 2016 marked the fourth year Zibeon tried out to be part of the IMP squad. He is a very confident young man who possesses a strong character, resilience and a high level of motivation. Zibeon has eight brothers and sisters and lives with his parents and five of his siblings in Mimili. He has a Certificate IV in Primary Health care and works from the local clinic. Zibeon is passionate about addressing the health issues in his community particularly chronic disease and spreading the message through the community about how chronic disease can be prevented, and his ultimate career ambition is to become a doctor. Since missing out on the squad in 2015, Zibeon has volunteered at four deadly fun runs in the area and volunteers at a basketball program on Wednesday nights.
Candice is a Ngarrindjeri from Murray Bridge in South Australia who works as an Archaeologist with a local Indigenous organisation preserving sensitive and sacred sites. Candice is involved with the Deadly Runners in Murray Bridge, established, managed and driven by 2013 IMP Graduate, Luke McKenzie and 2015 IMP Graduate, Daniel Lloyd. She is passionate about continuing the IMP legacy that Luke created and Daniel has continued. Candice is dedicated to addressing the need for more understanding and education about food and nutrition, and would like to use IMP as a platform to promote the positive and healthy benefits of a good diet.
Chris believes that through the opportunity of representing IMP and his community, he can be a positive role model and demonstrate the benefits of what can be achieved through adopting an active and healthy lifestyle. He is passionate about engaging his community in physical activity and is excited about leading by example and showing the people of Gapuwiyak how powerful running can be.
Jessica is a Gunditjmara/Wemba Wemba woman who lives in Victoria and works part-time in payroll for Aboriginal Housing Victoria. Jessica is another strong advocate in the war against alcohol and drug abuse after seeing its devastating effects to people in her community. She believes that through the opportunity provided by IMP, combined with her drive and vision, she can set an example for young people and show them a different pathway that will inspire them to adopt more healthy habits and lifestyles. Jessica said it’s also important to demonstrate that running isn’t about winning, but it’s about having a go and challenging yourself.
20 years old from Townsville. Jack missed out on the IMP try outs last year, so was keen to be a part of the Project this year. He tried out for IMP because he believes there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and wanted a goal to focus on. He wants to be a strong Indigenous role model in his community, and to gain a better understating of the health issues affecting the people in his community. Jack has always had a passion for running, and was a talented cross country runner while at school. He also played NRL, but injured his shoulder, and now runs every day. Jack volunteers coaching junior football teams, and is now a third year apprentice carpenter. When he finished his apprenticeship he is hoping to go to university.
30 years old from Queanbeyan Georgia has struggled throughout her life with Bipolar. She has consulted numerous doctors who have all provided her with medication of which have severe side effects. From years of trial and error sorting out what medication works best for her, she has found that regular physical activity is by far the best form of therapy to control her moods. She knows she has to run in order to make herself feel good. Georgia wanted to be part of IMP to show people that they are capable to changing their lives, and they don’t have to feel helpless. She wants to pass on the positive message of living a healthy life to her family and community, especially young females. Georgia recently graduated with a Certificate IV in Fitness, and is running her own Indigenous boot camp classes in Queanbeyan.
23 years old from Newcastle Carla is Aboriginal from the Craig-Gumbanggir clan. She grew up in Coffs Harbour, before moving to Newcastle for University, and is the second IMP team member from Newcastle, following in the footsteps of 2012 athlete Nat Heath. Carla lives in a low socio-economic area in Newcastle. There are a lot of kids roaming around with no drive, and she wants to change their outlook on life, and their perception in community. She is already a big role-model in Newcastle. She coaches an under 21, mostly Indigenous, touch football team and is a state touch football representative. Carla wants to challenge herself mentally and physically and inspire her community, as well as the students that she teaches, and show the younger generation the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Carla moved to Newcastle for University, and took up running because she found it helped control her anxiety issues. She works as a Physical Education teacher.
29 years old from Hermannsburg Charmaine is Aboriginal from Hermannsburg, and has lived in the community her whole life. She is the first IMP athlete from Hermannsburg, and is helping to strengthen the IMP connection in Central Australia, following the participation of athletes from Alice Springs in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Charmaine wants to run and be healthy and to also stand up for her community and show other single mums that if she can do it, they can do it to. She wants to be a role model and stop smoking, try IMP and try running. She also wants to be part of IMP to encourage and inspire others, and show them that there is more to life. Charmaine is a mother to two young boys and works full-time at the East Arnhem Shire.
24 years old from Bathurst Elise is Aboriginal from Adnyamathanha/Arabana. Elise wanted to be involved in IMP because she wants to do something for herself. She also wants to inspire her family and community to be active. Elise took-up running 12 months ago, and is aiming to do a fun run every month. Elise is actively involved with Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, and works to connect elders with the rest of the community. On top of that, she is also studying a Bachelor of Arts, and is a mother to a four year old daughter. Elise had often thought about applying to be part of IMP in the past, but wanted to wait until she had built up a good support network for her young daughter. She now believes she is ready to chase her dream.
23 years old from Galiwinku, Elcho Island Evelyna is Aboriginal, from the Djambarrpuyngu clan. She is the first IMP athlete from Elcho Island, and has lived in the community of Galiwinku her whole life. She wants to be part of IMP to represent her community and to try something different. She wants to show other women her age in her community that she can run a marathon, and to be a good role model. Evelyna is the head of her local church group and helps young people in the community with employment. She has previously been nominated for the Northern Territory Young Achiever Award. She has represented the Northern Territory in track running, AFL and touch football. Evelyna works full-time at the East Arnhem Shire and is mother to two young children. She has a great support base in the community, including her partner, and other community members.
24 years old from Yirrkala, NT Nathan is Aboriginal from the Wangurri clan. He grew up in Yirrkala, before moving to Victoria to pursue his passion for AFL, playing for both Geelong and the Western Bulldogs for six years. He recently moved back to Yirrkala to be closer to his family and now works full-time as a youth worker for the East Arnhem Shire Council organising different activities and encouraging young people in the community to achieve their best. Nathan wants to continue to build on the impact that past IMP squad members Jamie Wunungmurra (Boston 2012) and Arian Pearson (New York 2011) have had in Yirrkala. He has a strong interest in sport and recreation and wants to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle to the people in his community.
25 years old from Saibai Island Tali wanted to try out for IMP to try something different and wants to shine in a different sporting field because everyone plays the same sports in Cairns. He was inspired by his brother Jurgean, who ran for IMP in 2012, and wants to show people that if Jurgean can do it, so can he. He wants to spread the message in the Torres Strait that you can choose to do something different and still succeed. Tali plays AFL and NRL, training twice a week and playing games on the weekend. He runs three times each week. He finished grade 12 and was school captain in high school. He has travelled to Canberra for a ‘Dare to Dream’ program. He loves what IMP is about and is keen to get some more people from Saibai Islands to try out for IMP next year.
23 years old from Cairns Colin is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander from Badu Island. Since taking up running 18 months ago, Colin has lost 35kg, and is now in love with the sport. He now wants to become a long distance runner, and his passion for running was inspired by the 2012 London Olympics. He also wants to use running to stay healthy and continue to lose weight, while motivating his family and showing them what he can achieve. Colin spent his whole life in Cairns, before recently taking up a traineeship with the National Indigenous Training Academy at Yulara in central Australia, which will give him a Certificate II in Hospitality.
25 years old from Katherine Justin is Aboriginal from Ramburrunga Trip Arnhem Land Justin moved around a lot growing up and raised himself from a young age. He has lived in Katherine for the past seven years. He now raises seven children, a number of which are foster children, with his partner, and wants to teach them the right way to live, and ensure that they are the opportunities that he didn’t have. Justin wanted to be involved in IMP to help make a positive change in Katherine, as well as in wider Indigenous Australia. He also wants to inspire his children and show them that they can achieve anything in life. Justin runs a program in Katherine called Strongbalas – an Indigenous men’s health program that supports men through a variety of issues including homelessness, crime rehabilitation and health education.
27 years old from Murray Bridge Luke is Aboriginal, and lives in Murray Bridge. Luke has been integral in helping IMP develop a strong relationship with the Murray Bridge community through the Deadly Fun Run Series, and wants to show young people in the community that if you work hard, you can achieve anything. Luke was diagnosed with leukaemia at age 11, and wasn’t expected to recover. After spending years in a hospital room, he then started his life from scratch, and has since played basketball at an A Grade level, as well as recently losing 12kg. Luke wanted to be part of IMP because he believes in promoting healthy lifestyles and has always wanted to see someone from Murray Bridge involved in the Project. Luke loves to see what can be achieved when you put your mind to it. Luke works full-time in Indigenous employment.
30 years old from Saibai Island Jurgean was the first ever Torres Strait Islander male to be selected into the Project, and to finish a marathon. Jurgean joined the Project to inspire young people in his community to take up running, just as he had. He has always been a strong runner, but has improved his running significantly since joining the Project. After suffering a leg injury earlier in the year, Jurgean returned to run a 40 minute 10km at the Gold Coast Running Festival in July, and went on to finish the 30km Alice Springs test event in 2 hours 34 minutes. Jurgean travelled to New York in November with the 2012 squad, before the marathon was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. He continued with his training after returning home, and finished the Tokyo Marathon with the IMP team in February 2013 in a time of 3 hours 27 minutes. Jurgean is currently living in Port Lincoln, and is expecting his first child later in 2013.
23 years old from Gunbalanya Marius wanted to be involved in the Project as an inspiration to his family and community, and to represent them in a positive way. His involvement has helped to show young Indigenous men and women in his community that running can make them fit and healthy, and take them to places like New York. Marius was integral in helping set up a Deadly Fun Run Series in Gunbalanya, and managed to get local businesses on board to help support a community barbeque at the end of the run. Marius is heavily involved in AFL, and works full-time for the Clontarf Academy. His running improved significantly since joining the Project, and he finished the 30km Alice Springs test event in September in 2 hours 25 minutes. Marius travelled to New York with the IMP squad in November 2012 before the marathon was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. Unfortunately after returning from New York, Marius sustained an injury that stopped him running. He is hoping to start training again soon, and wants to run the Frankfurt Marathon in Germany in October.
27 years old from Newcastle, NSW Nat decided to apply for the Project as an opportunity for education and health, as well as a way to promote health and wellbeing in Indigenous communities. During his marathon training, Nat became heavily involved with the Newcastle Parkrun series, and has improved his running significantly. Nat travelled to New York with the 2012 IMP team before the marathon was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. Nat continued with his marathon training, and finished the Tokyo Marathon with the IMP team in February 2013 in a time of 3 hours 15 minutes. Nat recently moved to Sydney to take up a position with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME). He is continuing his running training, and is in the process of training for a half-ironman event.
31 years old from Darwin Emma decided to try out for the Project to encourage others and show how running, and sport in general can increase confidence, especially for Indigenous women. She wants to be a role model for the next generation, and to make people around her proud to be Indigenous. Emma is a keen sportswoman, and has been involved in netball from a young age, representing the Northern Territory. Emma has been heavily involved in fundraising for the Project, and has raised close to $2000 through her community. Emma suffered a knee injury prior to the 30km time trial in Alice Springs in September, and is training hard for the Boston Marathon in April, 2013, after finishing a 30km run in Canberra in February.
23 years old from Alice Springs Korey has been a talented runner all his life, and prior to joining IMP, has never publicly recognised his Indigenous heritage. Korey wanted to be involved in the Project to be a role model and encourage young people in Alice Springs and to make a difference in his community. Korey follows in the footsteps of past IMP athletes from Alice Springs – Charlie Maher and Caleb Hart in 2010 and Reggie Smith in 2011. Korey proved his running talent throughout his time in the Project, finishing the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival half-marathon in September 2012 in a personal best time of 79 minutes. Korey is also the first IMP athlete to win a national medal, picking up two medals at the Northern Territory Athletics Championships in 2012. Following the cancellation of the 2012 New York Marathon due to Hurricane Sandy, Korey continued his training and finished the Tokyo Marathon in February 2013, alongside his IMP team mates, in an IMP marathon record time of 3 hours 8 minutes. He hope to continue with his running, and wants to represent Australia at the Olympic Games.
21 years old from Orange, NSW Nathan started running at the age of six, and has a passion for middle distance running. He has a personal best time of 15.51 over 5000m. He hopes to one day make it to the Olympics. Nathan was part of the Jumpstart Program, which is aimed at finding Indigenous athletes to represent Australia at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Nathan finished the 2011 New York Marathon in 4 hours 19 minutes. He now lives in Canberra, where he splits his time between University and running.
31 years old from Mt Gravatt, QLD Bridgette has always been a keen sportswoman, and is actively involved in many sporting groups and organisations in her home town of Mt Gravatt, just outside Brisbane. While at University in Brisbane, she chaired the Barunga Centre Indigenous student committee. She currently works at Griffith University in the Indigenous Centre, and acts as a liaison between students and Indigenous elders. She is passionate about creating meaningful pathways for Indigenous students. When Bridgette first heard about the Project in 2010, she immediately wanted to be a part of it, and was ecstatic when she heard that the 2011 team would include women. She was one of the first ever Indigenous women to cross the finish line of the New York Marathon, finishing in a time of 4 hours 1 minute. Bridgette believes that life goes by so quickly that you must take every opportunity that comes your way. She is motivated by her Indigenous heritage, and tries to put back into the community wherever possible. Following the New York Marathon, she has continued with her running, and enjoys taking part in fun runs.
19 years old, from Charleville, QLD Michael has been a talented runner throughout his life, and made the state team for 3000m. He also has a passion for rugby league and touch football, two sports that he excels at. Michael loves to run and push himself in every opportunity he is given, as he feels as though he was given a second chance after suffering a chronic illness in 2010. Michael was the second IMP athlete to cross the finish line of the 2011 New York Marathon in a time of 3 hours 33 minutes. He continues to build on his running, and hopes to train for another marathon in the future.
21 years old from Palm Island, QLD Kelsey wanted to be involved in the Project to encourage people in her community of Palm Island to live a healthy and active life and to make family proud. Kelsey is an outstanding individual, and has taken part in a number of Indigenous leadership programs across the country. She has helped run sporting programs as part of the Cathy Freeman Foundation and is focussed on getting young people into healthy lifestyles by promoting sport within her community. Kelsey has recently become a mother to a young baby.
24 years old from Cairns, QLD Nadine joined the Project in 2011 as she wanted to set a good example to the people in her community, and to make her family proud. She played an integral role in setting up the Deadly Fun Run Series in a number of Far North Queensland communities. Nadine was the first Torres Strait Islander to be involved with the Project, and the first Indigenous women ever to cross the finish line of the New York Marathon, finishing with Bianca Graham in a time of 3 hours 40 minutes. Following New York, Nadine relocated from Cairns to Canberra, and now works for IMP organising the Deadly Fun Run Series and delivering the Certificate IV in Health and Leisure to current Project members. Nadine has continued to improve and build on her running following her involvement with the Project, and is currently training for the Frankfurt Marathon in Germany later this year, where she hopes to beat her time from New York.
30 years old from Weipa, QLD Bianca decided to try out for the Project because she wanted to represent her local area and show others what they needed to do to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. She grew up in Weipa, and went to boarding school in Townsville, where she developed a love for running. She studied Business Marketing at Brisbane University, and now works as a Communications Officer at Rio Tinto in Weipa. Bianca is passionate about health and fitness, and with Nadine Hunt, became the first ever Indigenous woman to cross the finish line of the New York Marathon, in a time of 3 hours 40 minutes. Following the New York Marathon, Bianca continued to build on her running training, and ran a personal best time of 91 minutes in the 2012 Gold Coast half-marathon. She is now training for the 2013 Frankfurt Marathon in Germany in October, where she hopes to run a personal best time.
21 years old from Yirrkala, East Arnhem Land Jamie was the first IMP athlete selected from Yirrkala, and has helped build a strong link between IMP and the small community. He works in the local art gallery in Yirrkala playing the didgeridoo. Jamie ran the 2012 Boston Marathon alongside fellow IMP squad member Tegan Pigram, finishing the gruelling course, in record heat, in a time of 6 hours 7 minutes. After returning from Boston, Jamie travelled to Seattle to promote the Yirrkala Art Gallery. Jamie is continuing to build on his running, and hopes to become a strong 800 meter runner in the future.
30 years old from Yirrkala, East Arnhem Land Arian grew up in Yirrkala and attended boarding school in Darwin. At school, he was trained by Cathy Freeman, and represented the Northern Territory for touch football six years in a row. He first heard about IMP in 2010 and wanted to be involved to make his community proud. Arian is a teacher’s assistant in Yirrkala. His family runs a cultural experience business called Bawaka. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and swimming. Arian finished the 2011 New York Marathon in a time of 3 hours 54 minutes. Since New York, he has been integral in helping set up the Deadly Fun Run Series in Yirrkala. He travelled to the inaugural Deadly Fun Run Championships in Uluru in 2012 with the small team from Yirrkala. Arian is part of band that is played regularly in mainstream radio. He is also the Surf Lifesaving President in Yirrkala and has his Bronze Medallion.
26 years old from Hove, South Australia Patrick played AFL from a young age, and was the captain of his team for a number of years. He was also a keen athlete growing up, excelling at 800 metre and 1500 metre events. Patrick decided to try out for the Project because he wanted to have the opportunity to promote the importance of living a healthy lifestyle to those close to him. Patrick was the fastest IMP athlete to finish the 2011 New York Marathon, finishing in a time of 3 hours 19 minutes. That also gave him the title of IMP record holder.
27 years old from Derby, Western Australia Tegan has always been fit and focussed on being healthy. Before joining the Project, she ran several times a week, and believed that she had what it took to complete a marathon. Tegan sustained an injury prior to the 30km time trial, which is used as a final selection for the New York Marathon team, so was unable to travel to New York. Tegan continued training for a marathon once she recovered from her injury, and ran the 2012 Boston Marathon, alongside teammate Jamie Wunungmurra, in a time of 5 hours 17 minutes. Tegan is extremely goal oriented, and enjoys being faced with different challenges, which was a catalyst for her marathon training. Tegan works for Fortescue Metals in Perth, and has continued to build on her running following the Boston Marathon.
21 years old from Alice Springs Reggie is part of the Clonfarf Academy and is a talented AFL played. He hopes to make the Northern Territory Thunder team in the future, and recently moved back from Victoria, where he was pursuing his football career. Reggie finished the 2011 New York Marathon in a time of 4 hours 3 minutes. Since being part of the Project, Reggie has continued to strengthen IMP’s link with Alice Springs, and has been involved in facilitating an Indigenous health program in Amoonguna, a small community outside of Alice Springs.
20 years old from Perth, Western Australia Tahli is a passionate and talented basketball played, and has been playing competitively for ten years. She competed in long distance running throughout her childhood, and has represented Western Australia. Tahli wanted to be part of the Project as she was motivated by her mum who works in child protection. She was also motivated by the opportunity to visit New York and run the biggest marathon in the world.
20 years old from York, Western Australia Derek has always been very fit, and focussed on living a healthy lifestyle. He is a passionate AFL player, and participated in athletics and cross country running throughout school. Derek wanted to be part of the Project to inspire his young cousin, who was in a Perth youth detention centre at the time of his selected into IMP. He wanted to use his involvement in IMP as a way of showing others that through running, you can achieve anything you put your mind to, and that it is important to be fit and healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle.
19 years old from Kanmantoo, South Australia Kiwa is a passionate AFL player, but gave up football to focus on his running once selected as a member of the Project in 2011. He wanted to make the most of the opportunity that he had been given and show people that he can dig in and work hard when given the chance. Kiwa finished the 2011 New York Marathon in 4 hours 3 minutes, and has continued to build on his running following this involvement in the Project.
21 years old from Perth, Western Australia Sam was extremely active throughout high school, and participated in a number of sports including basketball, touch football, swimming and athletics. She continues to play Australian Rules football, which helps to keep her fit. Sam decided to try out for the Project because she wanted something to challenger herself, and believed that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that she should make the most of. Sam was one of the first Indigenous women to ever cross the finish line of the New York Marathon, finishing in a time of 4 hours 13 minutes. Sam is studying Environmental Engineering at University in Perth, and has been integral in helping to maintain the IMP link with Western Australia.
19 years old from Sunbury, Victoria Caine is a talented athlete, and an up and coming 10,000 metre runner. He has represented Victoria in cross country and enjoys playing Australian Rules football. Caine wanted to be involved in the Project in memory of his father, who passed away when he was young. Caine likes to prove people wrong when they question his ability. This has motivated him throughout his life, and helped him to run faster and train harder. Caine ran a gutsy race to finish the 2012 New York Marathon in a time of 3 hours 54 minutes. Caine hopes that the Certificate III he studied with in the Project will help him to obtain employment within the sport and recreation industry when. He is also studying at Sports Education and Development Australia (SEDA).
24 years old from Maningrida, East Arnhem Land Juan faced many challenges coming from the extremely remote community of Maningrida. The area is accessible by permit only and is not accessible by road during the wet season. At least 10 different languages are spoken in the area. Shortly after being selected in the Project, Juan temporarily moved to Darwin to focus on his marathon training. Juan is a natural born leader and captain of the local football team. He has a seven year old son called Tyson, who he used as inspiration while training. Juan finished the New York Marathon in a time of 4 hours 50 minutes, becoming one of the first ever Indigenous Australians to do so. Juan has been integral in building IMP’s presence in Maningrida, and as a result, IMP has since selected two athletes to be part of the Project – Beth Ali in 2011 and Grace Eather in 2012. Juan recently started work as a physical education teacher at the Maningrida Primary School, and has been working hard to facilitate the Deadly Fun Run Series in the community. Juan hopes to one day train for and complete his second marathon.re and we can link through socials/contact/donation buttons below
21 years old from Kununurra, Western Australia Joseph is a very talented footballer, but gave the sport up in 2010 after being selected into the Project. Joseph was the second Indigenous Australian ever to finish the New York Marathon, coming in behind Charlie Maher in a time of 3 hours 54 minutes. Joseph works with Garnduwa in Kununurra, running youth leadership and sports camps to inspire Indigenous kids to achieve more than they ever imagined possible. Since running the New York Marathon, Joseph has continued with his AFL, but hopes to one day run another marathon. He has recently become a father to twin girls.
21 years old from Alice Springs, Northern Territory Caleb finished the 2010 New York Marathon a time of 5 hours 1 minute, becoming one of the first Indigenous Australians to do so. After completing the marathon, Caleb was selected as part of the Northern Territory Thunder football team, and continues to play AFL at a representative level. Caleb is assisting on ground in central Australia, setting up the SmartStart for Kids I-Can program in the small community of Amoonguna, just outside Alice Springs. Caleb hopes to one day train for and complete his second marathon.
30 years old from Alice Springs, Northern Territory Charlie became the first Indigenous Australian to ever run the New York Marathon when he crossed the finish line in 2010 in a time of 3 hours 32 minutes. Charlie is an inspirational individual, and an extremely talented runner and AFL player. He has been integral in strengthening the link between IMP and Alice Springs, and he helped facilitate a number of Deadly Fun Runs on the ground in Alice Springs. Charlie then went on to run the 2011 Boston Marathon, beating his personal best time by 10 minutes, all while raising close to $2000 for a dialysis unit in Alice Springs. In mid-2012, Charlie gave up playing AFL to concentrate on his running. He ran a personal best time of 87 minutes in the Sydney Running Festival half-marathon in September 2012, and is now in training for the Gold Coast Marathon in July, where he hopes to run another personal best. Charlie is currently working as a mentor at Yirara College in Alice Springs as part of the Clontarf Academy.
Social Ventures Australia Summary Report
A recent report by Social Ventures Australia measures conclusively the long-term, transformative effect of the Indigenous Marathon Project, not only for graduates but also for family members, community members and whole communities who then make long-term behavioural changes. You can read the summary here:
Download Report
Sponsorship and Fundraising
The IMF is heavily funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health. It is our long-term goal to establish a $20 million endowment fund to ensure the Foundation’s long-term self-sustainability.
We need your help to achieve this goal.
For more information about sponsorship and fundraising, please contact IMF Fundraising & Partnerships Manager, Elna Jennings on (02) 6162 4750 or Elna.J@imf.org.au
IMF has a range of multi-year Foundation partner and sponsorship opportunities available with benefits commensurate with investment. Some benefits may include (but not limited to):
- Acknowledgement of sponsorship through IMF networks
- Exclusive invitations to VIP events including IMP camps
- A cultural immersion experience visiting the community of an IMP Graduate
- Being trained and mentored by an IMP Graduate for a marathon
There are a number of alternative ways you can contribute to the Foundation:
- Engage in our Speaker Scholarship program
- Host an event
- Make a one-off donation
- Join our 42 Club regular donor program
- Select IMF as your charity of choice in an upcoming running event, triathlon, or any other challenge
- Purchase IMF exclusively designed merchandise, not available in stores
