MSWA Step Up 2026
Step Up for MSWA 2026: Every Step Made a Difference
On Saturday, 21 June 2026, around 650 participants gathered at Central Park Tower in Perth to take on the annual MSWA Step Up Stair Climb.
Climbers tackled 1,103 stairs across 52 floors, with participants choosing from One Climb, Double Up with two climbs, or the ultimate Multi Climb, where the challenge was to complete as many ascents as possible throughout the day.
Together, participants raised an incredible $240,500 to support the life changing work of MSWA, proving once again that a community united by a common cause can achieve extraordinary things.
From first time climbers to experienced stair climbing athletes, the day was filled with determination, encouragement and countless personal victories. Stair Climbing Australia members proudly represented our community, with every participant having their own story and reason for climbing.
Trevor Porter: Still Raising the Bar
Leading the way was Trevor Porter, who completed an incredible 15 climbs, showing outstanding endurance and determination throughout the day.
Trevor admitted that at the start of the event, reaching double figures seemed like a huge challenge.
"At the start of the event I thought, gosh it’s a long way to get to double figures. It seems such a long way away. But as soon as I lost count and just kept going, it became easier."
For Trevor, the motivation is simple.
"I love the challenge and I love the excitement."
After months of training and experience on the stairs, Trevor continues to prove that improvement comes from commitment.
"If you train hard, you can get better and better, no question. When you think at these events you couldn’t do any more, you surprise yourself the following year and do even more again."
Trevor says the biggest challenge during the event was managing the heavier traffic in the stairwell as more participants arrived throughout the morning. However, it is also one of the things he enjoys most.
"The atmosphere at this event is really, really good. It’s amazing how you can go 12 months and then as soon as you turn up you see people you’ve noticed before. The same baggage girls, the same ladies on the stairs, the same organisers. It truly is a wonderful event."
For Trevor, the smiles, encouragement and friendships are what make MSWA Step Up so special.
"You see people from the year before who have been blowing hard, yet they keep turning up. The fun they have and the smiles on their faces are what bring you back to keep pushing."
Although Trevor only recently joined Stair Climbing Australia, he already understands the importance of the community.
"People come up to say hello. You see familiar faces going up and down. It really is like a little community."
Trevor is already helping grow the sport in Western Australia, sharing details about SCA with new climbers he meets at events.
His advice for anyone considering their first stair climb?
"You have a muscle in your body designed for stair climbing. You just have to wake it up. Once you’ve woken it up, you will enjoy the benefits. Just enjoy it, have fun and don’t look up."
Liah and Hannah Morley: Stair Climbing Runs in the Family
One of the standout achievements of the day came from sisters Liah Morley and Hannah Morley, who each completed an outstanding 14 climbs.
Their incredible endurance and shared passion for stair climbing showed that this sport truly can become a family affair.
It looks like stair climbing definitely runs in the Morley family.
Erin Kuhl: Travelling Across Australia for a Cause
Travelling from Queensland, Erin Kuhl took on her very first MSWA Step Up and completed an impressive 10 climbs.
For Erin, the event represented much more than a physical challenge.
With friends living with MS and her son having a neurological condition, supporting MSWA made every step meaningful.
"Every step seemed to represent something bigger than the climb itself."
Erin loved seeing the event come alive from the early morning start.
"The event started in the dark, but as the sun came up, more and more people arrived. It was inspiring to see people of all abilities taking part, alongside so many emergency services personnel."
What stood out most was the sense of community.
"Everyone was climbing, encouraging each other, sharing motivation and pushing on together. Everyone had a story and a reason for being there."
Like many climbers, Erin faced mental challenges during the climb.
"The toughest moments for me were Floor 7 and then again at Floor 34. Those were the points where the challenge really hit. Both times, I thought I should be further than I was. But the only thing to do was keep moving, one foot in front of the other."
Reaching the rooftop provided the perfect reward.
"Stepping out onto the roof and taking in the incredible views was a fantastic reward after the climb. There was a cool breeze, great photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate just how far we had all come."
Then it was time to head back down and do it again.
Erin also loved representing Stair Climbing Australia and sharing her passion with others.
"It was great having people ask about SCA and being able to share my passion for stair climbing and the joy that comes from tackling stairs together."
Steve Downey: The Quiet Achiever
Another impressive performance came from Steve Downey, a committed member of the Stair Climbing Australia community who travelled from Melbourne to take on MSWA Step Up.
Often described as a quiet achiever, Steve let his climbing do the talking, completing an impressive 8 climbs throughout the event.
Steve’s commitment to stair climbing extends well beyond his own performances. Each week, he leads a stair climbing group, putting his members through their paces both physically and mentally. His sessions are challenging, his expectations are high, and his famous “tough love” approach continues to bring out the very best in those around him.
Steve understands that stair climbing is about more than just building fitness. It is about resilience, mindset and helping people discover what they are capable of achieving.
His dedication to supporting others and growing the stair climbing community makes him a true ambassador for the sport.
Congratulations, Steve, on another outstanding effort and thank you for continuing to inspire and motivate those around you.
Bert Eldridge: A Winning Debut
Bert Eldridge made an unforgettable debut at MSWA Step Up, finishing 1st in the 60+ category and an incredible 4th overall.
Bert had originally planned to compete in 2025 but was unable to attend after his wife became seriously ill. This year, he finally made the journey from Victoria to Perth to take on the challenge.
"I always take on a new stair climb with excitement and eagerness. I think for me the biggest challenge was just getting to the event from Victoria."
With a torn cartilage in his left knee, Bert planned to complete one climb, and that was enough to produce an outstanding result.
"Finding out my time and placings totally thrilled me, as I didn’t think I went all that well."
Bert has already expressed his interest in returning for the March 2027 event.
His advice for anyone considering a stair climb is simple.
"Go for it. They will love the exhilaration once you reach the top."
Bert describes MSWA Step Up as:
"Another fantastic stair climb everyone should try once."
His advice for new climbers?
"Embrace the stairs one at a time and enjoy the climb."
Alison Hill: Beating Her Own Expectations
Making her MSWA debut, Alison Hill set herself a goal of six climbs.
She finished with 10.
"I learned that I can do more than I thought. My aim was six climbs and I ended up doing 10."
Alison climbed in support of a friend living with MS.
"I was thinking a lot about my friend who has MS and despite all her struggles, she just gets on with life."
For Alison, every climb is a reminder that staying active helps build a healthier future.
"Each climb I do proves that I’m still active and that I’m keeping strong to be able to enjoy my 70s, 80s and maybe 90s."
She was inspired by the many participants overcoming their own challenges.
"Seeing people climbing with disabilities, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy and those recovering from stroke was amazing. Some of them were even doing multiple climbs."
The atmosphere and support from the stair climbing community stood out.
"I love being part of SCA. It’s that feeling of belonging. I could look for the SCA shirts and say hi to new people."
Her advice for anyone thinking about their first stair climb?
"Just do it. It’s a great achievement and won’t be as hard as you think if you take your time. Give it a go, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the experience."
A Welcome Return for Kaye Robinson
One of the happiest moments of the day was welcoming Kaye Robinson back to the stairs.
After a setback in 2025 kept her away from events, Kaye returned with her trademark smile and positive energy, completing a climb and reconnecting with the Stair Climbing Australia community.
It was wonderful to see Kaye back where she belongs.
Looking Ahead to an Historic 2027 Event
The excitement does not stop here.
MSWA Step Up returns on Saturday, 21 March 2027, and next year’s event promises to be one of the biggest and most memorable yet.
MSWA Step Up is proud to be a Community Partner of the 2027 World Police & Fire Games. The event will take place the day after the Games’ official stair race, creating a truly special weekend for the global stair climbing community.
With athletes from Australia and around the world already gathering in Perth, 2027 will be a unique opportunity to be part of something historic.
Whether you are chasing a personal best, taking on your first stair climb, or climbing to support an incredible cause, 2027 is the year to be part of MSWA Step Up.
Register your interest now and be among the first to hear when entries open.
We cannot wait to see the stair climbing community come together for what promises to be an unforgettable event.
