I’m taking on the Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert Challenge for Youngcare
Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected challenges at you—like starting a new job and, within days, somehow signing yourself up to trek 230km across a desert! But I’m a big believer that the universe throws opportunities at you for a reason, and when this one landed in my lap, there was only one answer—HELL YES!!
Right place, right time, right cause.
I didn’t even know this trek needed to be on my bucket list, but now I’m all in. I mean, what better way to push my limits than spending 9 days knee-deep in the one thing I can’t stand… sand? (Honestly, the universe has a real sense of humor.) I know it’s going to be tough mentally, physically, and emotionally but whatever struggles I face out there are nothing compared to the reality of young people being forced into aged care simply because there’s nowhere else for them to go. That’s not okay. Everyone deserves to live with dignity, independence, and choice. That’s why I’m doing this.
A massive thank you to my amazing family, friends, and the incredible FBAA family for cheering me on and backing me every (sandy, sweaty) step of the way. Your support means the absolute world—and if you haven’t donated yet, what are you waiting for?! Let’s do this together and make a real difference!
My Updates
Mt Coot-tha 5:30 AM. Why do I do this to myself?
Thursday 13th Mar
For the past few months, I’ve been dragging myself up Mt Coot-tha in the dark every Saturday morning, questioning my life choices (at least for the first 15 minutes). But then I remember—Youngcare.
I'm doing this for young Aussies with disabilities who deserve the freedom to live independently, with the right support around them. And if a few early starts and sore legs can help make that happen, then count me in!
Now, if I can show up at 5:30 AM, you can chip in a few dollars, right? Every bit helps, and together we can make a real difference.
ShareThank you to my Sponsors
$20k
Finance Brokers Association Of Australia
$500
Anonymous
Thanks for being such an encouraging inspiration
$500
Outsource Financial
We are so proud of you Barb!
$500
Leah & John @ Farsta
You can do it Barb! So proud of you challenging yourself for such a worthy cause. We will be thinking of you.
$500
Kirby House
Everyone deserves to live their best life with freedom and dignity - let’s make a difference together!
$500
Jamie Hall
$400
Tyrers
An amazing challenge for an awesome cause. So proud to call you our friend!
$300
Bettina Lumsden
cheering you on every (sandy) step of the way Barb! You are an absolute legend - watch out for the camels!
$300
Susan Kennedy
Love you Barb, so inspired by you! Absolute LEGEND 🥰
$270
Zoe Kirby
You are unstoppable ❤️ so proud of you x
$250
The Boutique Broker
Good on you Legend!
$200
Complus Solutions
$200
Tailored Lending Concepts
$200
Fox Mortgages
Go Barb!
$200
Dee Francis Furious Finance
Barb you are a legend 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 you have so got this 🤩🤩🤩
$200
T Trace
You got this
$100
Lorraine Stanbury-rose
You can do it Barb!! It’s a privilege to support you and Youngcare. Best of Luck!
$100
Anonymous
Well done and massive admiration
$100
Elva Metcalf
What a champion!
$100
Tanya Brimblecombe
Well done Barb! xx
$100
David And Grace Preston
Go Barb!!! So proud of you
$100
Joanna James
Have a brillaint time - we are so very prou dof you Barb!
$100
Amie Gillespie
Your doing an amazing thing barb, very proud of you
$100
Steven Ragany
Go get em' Barb!
$100
Luke & Sharon Bray
Safe journey Barb xo
$100
Ken Maclennan
Go your hardest and remember one foot in front of the other!
$100
Jo Ransome
You got this gurl 🤙🏼 it’s all about mindset 😉
$100
Kelly Mullen
Love your passion Barb! Will be thinking of you along the way! Xx
$100
Mum & Dad Kirby
Very proud of you Barb. I know you will put your all into this.
$100
Stacey Glover
Wonderful Barb that you are supporting such a worthwhile cause. You are as ever an absolute inspiring legend. I will be with you in spirit during the trek xo
$100
Andrew Bondini
✨Love ya work Barb🥰
$75
B Howard
Nice one Barb!
$75
Joel Eyre
go Barbatron
$58
Tilly
So proud of you mumma x
$50
William Gomez
Great work Barb!
$50
Abby Kirby
Love you so much mum your doing such an amazing thing your so awesome.
$50
Natalie Sheehan
It was awesome to meet you today and what an incredible adventure to take on for the best cause. Totally Inspirational Barb - I hope your feet heal up quickly!
$50
Kat G
Well done Barb! What an amazing accomplishment and for just being an amazing human and supporting such meaningful cause!
$50
Vicki Huddy
This is a great cause well done Barb 💜
$50
Kim Selwa
Yay Barb!
$50
Deanne Tate
Fantastic effort for a wonderful cause Barb! You always grab life by the horns, you're an inspiration!
$50
Amanda Adams
Awesome job Barb’s!! 💖
$50
Luke Butcher
Congrats Barb ! Great cause .. all the best with reaching your goal!
$50
Stu Ronneberg
Barb Kirby you are a weapon. I crossed the Simpson in my brand new fully fitted out Raptor and that was hard. Doing it n foot is freaking incredible. So impressive!!
$50
Zac Wilson
Love your stuff Barb! Congratulations.
$50
Karren Bathurst
Good luck.
$50
Anonymous
$50
Ardele H
Epic challenge! Cant wait to hear all about it on your triumphant return!
$50
Shane Davis
Good luck Barb....you'll kill it!
$50
Paul Boyd-skinner
Well done Barb, you are an absolute legend. I wish you a safe journey and all the success in FBAA. It is my honour to know you. Cheers Paul
$50
Andrew Child
Super effort Barb
$50
Miliana Ferreira
So proud of you :)
$50
Michelle Rose
Best of luck you absolute legend. Super proud of you and cant wait to hear all about it on your return xx
$50
Wendy
You are an idol! Will be thinking of you every step of the way xxoo
$50
Julia Featherstone
Good luck Barbs! As always you are so inspiring x
$50
Fin Talent Pty Ltd
$50
Sandy Kelso
Go Barb! You are such an inspiration and a wonderful mum x
$50
Chris Percival
Well Done Britney I mean Barb, I am beyond proud of you for what you have achieved, you are a beautiful human, and you have raised so much for such a noble cause. Congrats, and PS, Love the new DO!
$50
Donna Cooper
Amazing Barb. You are such an inspiration.
$50
Sonya B
$50
Holly Kennedy
Good on you Barb such a good cause. Good luck!
$50
Christopher Maamoun
Great work
$50
Mina Louka
Great work , looking forward to fresh also
$47
Joey Daye
Love your work Barb! Smash it
$30
Mandy Jayne
You are a star!
$25
Vanessa Elmore
$25
Nicky Parker
You’re amazing, you’ve got this!
$25
Eva Li
$25
Judith Hocking
Good Luck Barb
$25
Kathryn Whitney
crazy woman but a brave one!! good luck with the challenge
$25
Gillian Paton
Do proud of you Mrs. Good luck. Much ove gx
$25
Brianna Kenyon
Go Barb, all the best on your trek, you will do amazing!!!!
$25
Erika Tucker
All the best!
$25
Michelle O’doherty
Legend go you good thing!
$25
Rebecca Linton
Absolute legend!!
$25
Jessica Walsh
What a beautiful cause you are supporting, you are a rockstar! Love ya!
$25
Carole Margand
$20
Stuart Crossley
$20
Kim Le Sech
All the best Barb ! Will be following your journey !
$20
Marnie Grobe
Great work Barb - enjoy the adventure
$20
Erin Kirby
$10
Michael Riddiford
Great work Barb! Proud of ya xx
