ABOUT BEN DONNELLY
Born into a farming family, I began primary school teaching in 1990. I have worked in rural and metropolitan communities throughout Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and the Northern Territory. This has included the role of Principal in 2 schools. I have also had the opportunity to to work with at risk youth for 12 months and spent 16 months as a youth worker in a Juvenile Justice facility.
I have long held an interest in behaviour management and cognitive science, drawing on a wide range of programs and research to support and develop my ideas.
This experience and knowledge has enabled me to develop a strong set of practices that aligns perfectly well with current practice and supports the wellbeing of both students and staff.
I have completed post graduate studies including a Master of Leadership, Master of Counselling and Graduate Certificate of TESOL, which all inform my programs.
The Pit To Peak Challenge
The aim of the Pit To Peak challenge was to walk 2000 kms from Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre in South Australia to Mt Kosciuszko in NSW in 60 days. This was done to raise funds and awareness for Mental Health in our community. Funds were raised in aid of R U OK?
The theme, "Walk For a Kinder World" acknowledged the need for people to be kind to those around them and to support them where possible.
Visit R U OK? at www.ruok.org.au
About the Trip
The aim of this walk was twofold. Having grown up and worked in rural areas of Australia for most of my life I know how isolating this can be. My experiences have taught me that often we are not aware of the support that is around us or unaware of how to tap into it. R U OK? highlights the importance of taking notice of the people around you and supporting them to find assistance.
My first aim was to raise awareness of ways that we can support each other in the communities that I pass through. Promoting ways of being kind to one another.
Secondly it was an opportunity to promote R U OK? and support their work by providing a place for people to give donations for this important cause.
Visit R U OK? at www.ruok.org.au
The trip began near Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre in late March and finished on Mt Kosciuszko on May 18th. The weather at either end of the trip dictated starting and finishing as it went from quite hot to quite cold. I averaged 38 kms a day in two hour stints and on occasion walked over 50 kms. All of my equipment was carted on the Trackmate by Prohike and I camped in my swag and tent on the way along, as well as in a house when the assistance was offered.