Caption: Gold Coast resident Nadia Melham will surf to raise money for mental health this April. Photo: Ripple Effect Foundation
The Ripple Effect is inviting Australians to surf for 22 hours during April for the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge to help raise $2.2 million for mental health.
The Ripple Effect Wave Challenge (REWC) asks people to go surfing for a minimum of 22 hours throughout April to help raise funds for mental health awareness, advocacy and education.
Co-Managing Director of the Ripple Effect Foundation, Adam McMurray, said an estimated 22% of Australians experience a mental disorder in a 12 month period (AIHW, 2024).
“With this in mind, every Australian should have access to a lifestyle that protects their mental health and with only an estimated 1% of Federal funding directed towards prevention, we need your help to do it,” he said.
Co-Managing Director Casey Macpherson said the Foundation was on a mission to change the culture around wellbeing in Australia.
“We hope to achieve this through a combination of mental health promotion activities that increase mental health literacy, increasing awareness of things we can do as individuals to protect our wellbeing, reducing stigma around mental health and through advocating for systemic change,” she said.
Funds raised by the REWC will go directly into programs and initiatives that focus on enhancing mental wellbeing and have a positive impact on the health of Australians.
Surfing Queensland CEO, Mark Flanagan, said his organisation was stoked to support the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge.
“To go surfing to help raise awareness and funds for mental health and wellbeing is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the positive impact surfing can bring,” he said.
“To align with the Ripple Effect Foundation for a cause that affects many of our members and participants is very rewarding. It’s a topic impacting so many Australians and we’re happy to paddle out during April in support.”
Ms Macpherson encouraged surf clubs, individuals and anyone who loved to get out on the waves to sign up for the challenge.
“We’re hoping to see all age groups and even bodysurfers sign up for the sake of our collective mental health,” she said.
“The science says that surfing makes you feel great so by getting out there you’ll be doing something for yourself and for others.”
To sign up, visit www.rewc.com.au
About the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge
The Ripple Effect Wave Challenge is an exciting opportunity for surfers and ocean lovers to get in the ocean, surf more, feel good, and make an impact. The challenge is open to surfers and ocean lovers of all kinds, no matter if you can already catch a wave or not.
While surfing is at the heart of the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge, its mission is one that every Australian can benefit from. The challenge aims to show Australians how taking part in proactive mental wellbeing measures can create lasting change for all people and future generations.
Surfing is scientifically proven to boost mental wellbeing, so participants can experience the benefits firsthand while supporting a great cause. In addition to raising money for a great cause, participants will go in the running to win a range of prizes donated by generous sponsors.
How It works
Who: Anyone can participate, from families to friend groups to solo surfers. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or have always wanted to give it a try, the Wave Challenge is the perfect way to experience the benefits of being out on the water.
Where: Any ocean or wave pool of choice, anywhere in Australia.
When: The month of April 2025.
Goal: Set a personal or team target of at least 22 hours of surfing over the month.
How to join: Register online, log hours, and collect donations to support mental health initiatives.
About Adam McMurray, managing director of REWC:
Adam McMurray is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing, with over 15 years of experience in the non-government and primary health sectors. Throughout his career, he has witnessed the challenges people face in accessing mental health support, an experience that inspired his passion for proactive solutions that prioritise prevention and early intervention.
Adam’s expertise spans service design, program management, and large-scale service implementation, including leading commissioning activities for mental health services across the Gold Coast region. He has extensive experience in project management, procurement, service evaluation, and community engagement, with a strong focus on collaboration with partner agencies.
A lifelong surfer, Adam understands firsthand the mental health benefits of being in the ocean. His background as a surfing instructor and coach, combined with his various qualifications – including a Certificate IV in Sport and Recreation, diplomas in Management and Community Services, and PRINCE2 project management certification – reflects his commitment to helping others integrate wellbeing into everyday life.
About Casey Macpherson, managing director of REWC:
Casey Macpherson is a passionate advocate for preventative health, dedicated to improving mental wellbeing through positive daily habits. With a Bachelor of Public Health, majoring in Health Promotion, she has built a career in stakeholder engagement, service design, procurement, project management, and service monitoring within the primary health sector.
As co-founder of Ripple Effect Foundation and its Ripple Effect Wave Challenge, Casey draws on her extensive experience in building collaboration across the sector and within communities to develop proactive solutions that address complex health challenges before they escalate into crises.
A lifelong learner, Casey has continued to expand her knowledge in finance, social impact, co-design, and commissioning for outcomes. She completed a Graduate Certificate of Management from UNSW in 2023, further strengthening her strategic leadership capabilities and reinforcing her commitment to improving the well-being of Australians at a population level.
