One man’s mission to break the cycle

AN 18,000 km odyssey cycling around Australia was close to the finish line last week when youth worker Pauly James pulled into Cape Byron.

The Brisbane-based advocate reached Australia’s most easterly point last Thursday on the final stretch of a seven-month journey raising funds and awareness for Northern Rivers youth charity Human Nature Adventure Therapy.

The Break the Cycle campaign took James to all four compass points in Australia and to the highest point, Mount Kosciuszko.

Arriving in Byron Bay, James said that behind every kilometre was a truth that could not be ignored.

“One in three young Australians is living with mental ill-health, suicide is the leading cause of death among those aged 15–24, and 71 per cent of youth suicides are among 15–17-year-olds,” he said.

“These aren’t just statistics, they’re kids. Someone’s brother, someone’s daughter, and they deserve better.”

“I had no clue what I was doing at the beginning. It was just this ridiculous idea.”

“But the biggest thing that I’ve learned through it all is the power of just keeping on pedalling, recognising that there’s going to be bad days, and really good days, and you’ve just got to ride the roller coaster and keep moving forward.”

“There were a lot of moments where I did doubt myself, but now, just days away from the end, I’ve made this dream come true.”

Human Nature is celebrating 10 years of impact in the Northern Rivers, delivering free, trauma-informed therapy and mentoring in nature settings.

Founder and psychologist Andy Hamilton said James’ determination embodied the organisation’s approach of doing things differently for young people.

“At Human Nature, we support those who can’t access or don’t benefit from traditional office-based services,” Hamilton said.

“By meeting young people where they are, out in nature, on their own terms, we rebuild trust, safety, and connection.”

“Pauly had been searching for a service that met his dream criteria to support, but also something that would have helped him personally as a teenager, when he was struggling.”

“It’s important to recognise that this man from Brisbane just rode all the way around the country to raise funds that will all go directly to helping Northern Rivers young people who would otherwise miss out on professional mental health support.”

James’ lived experience, including the devastating impact of suicide and his own mental health battles, was a driving force throughout the journey.

“The message I’d love to share with the young people is that you sometimes just have to ride that roller coaster and come out the other side,” he said.

“It’s been an incredible journey, lots of beautiful places and beautiful people, and lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

To help Break the Cycle reach its $50k target, visit breakthecycle.raisely.com.

If you or someone you know is in mental health distress, call Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.