Overcoming Heights and Building Connections: A Day Out at the You Yangs
By Pascoe Dunphy
In October, I had the chance to tag along on a fantastic day out abseiling at the You Yangs Regional Park. Organised by Dave and Maddy, two of our wonderful PC’s, the trip was a perfect mix of challenge, fresh air, and new friendships.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome and introductions, followed by a quick briefing on what to expect. We hopped on the buses and headed out to the You Yangs, where the real adventure awaited. After a bit of teamwork to carry the gear up to the top of the rock, we arrived at our first challenge: “Big Rock” (and it really lived up to the name!).
Maddy showed us how to properly wear a harness, while Dave went through the ins and outs of abseiling, focusing on safety and technique. The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived quickly: stepping backwards off the edge of Big Rock. For some, it was a leap into the unknown, but the support from everyone around made it feel a lot less intimidating.
It was incredible to see how everyone reacted—there’s something about standing at the top of a cliff and walking backwards that triggers a lot of self-doubt. But as each person descended, you could see the excitement and sense of accomplishment build. Even those with previous climbing experience were pushed out of their comfort zones, and the mental challenge was just as significant as the physical one.
I had the chance to get involved too, taking a few pictures and videos while cheering on the participants. It was heartwarming to see so many smiles as people made their way down, conquering fears and gaining confidence with each step.
Lunch was a well-deserved break, with salad rolls and wraps shared around as we swapped stories and got to know each other better. The sense of camaraderie was amazing, and the energy in the air was infectious. After lunch, we went for another round of abseiling, each time feeling a little braver, a little more confident.
Lunch was a well-deserved break, with salad rolls and wraps shared around as we swapped stories and got to know each other better. The sense of camaraderie was amazing, and the energy in the air was infectious. After lunch, we went for another round of abseiling, each time feeling a little braver, a little more confident.
The day wasn’t just about the adrenaline rush. Watching everyone open up, make new friends, and share their experiences was incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone can help you connect with others and improve your mental health.
As we packed up and headed back to Out Doors HQ, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience and the connections made. I’m already looking forward to the next adventure! Make sure to scroll down and watch the YouTube video I put together from the day!
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