Three peaks, three days: Kinetic drivers trek the Victorian High Country for Western Chances

Two Kinetic bus drivers will join our community partner Western Chances in trekking three of Victoria's tallest peaks this April, raising funds to support the organisation's scholarship program.

The three-day expedition, now in its third year, will see the two Kinetic hikers summit Mt Timbertop, Mt Stirling and Mt Buller alongside other corporate partners and Western Chances alumni.

Shane and Usha were chosen to represent Kinetic at this year's trek due to their shared love for the outdoors and passion for helping others, and are aiming to raise $3,500 each to support Western Chances' mission.

Western Chances aim to remove educational barriers by providing life-changing scholarships for high-achieving students in Melbourne's west and Geelong, supporting young people all the way from high school to graduating university.

Meet Shane

Military veteran Shane, who is based at Kinetic's Tweed Heads depot, has a deep love for both adventure and supporting the community, and said that Western Chances' message really resonated with his own experiences in education.

"When I was young, I didn't really enjoy school. It just wasn't something I connected with at the time," he said.

"In my 30s, whilst looking at career options, I made the decision to go back and study and it changed my life.

"Having witnessed the transformative power of education, I felt compelled to help others who might not have access to such opportunities," he added.

Shane also has plenty of experience with trekking, having completed several charity walks to support fellow veterans and other non-profit organisations, and said he was excited to undertake his latest excursion.

"I am always up for an adventure, and since I've never explored the Victorian High Country, I'm excited about the prospect of discovering its landscapes alongside new acquaintances," he said.

Help Shane in his goal to break down barriers for young people here.

Meet Usha

Usha's love for taking on new challenges led her to sign up to represent Kinetic at the Three Peaks trek.

A driver based at the Keysborough depot in Melbourne, she said the opportunity caught her attention as it combined her passion for exploring the outdoors with her desire to give back to the community.

"I've always loved taking on new challenges, and there is something very exciting about taking on such an adventurous trek," she said.

"I have trekked across the Grampians before and am actively on the lookout for local hikes to keep active, but three treks across three days on such a large scale is a first for me.

"As daunting as it sounds, I'm still all in for the challenge."

Usha said that she is inspired by the work Western Chances do, and this has made her more determined to complete the trek.

"While reaching the summit is always a thrill, this trek feels different. Every step towards the peak is tied to such a meaningful cause," she said.

"For many of these students, a scholarship doesn't just represent money but hope.

“It could be the difference between dropping out and becoming the first in their family to attend university."

Support Usha's fundraising here.