Kylie and Kent Payne, founders of the Harrison Payne Initiative, have been inspiring Aussies to save lives on and off the road since their son, Harry, was killed in a 4WD crash in 2021.
This month, to honour their son and to raise funds to support victims of road and beach trauma, the 4th annual Deadlift Day for Harry will be held at World Gym Burpengary.
Kylie said the not-for-profit was all about ‘strength to change’ and creating conversations about beach, 4WD and road safety.
“Everyone needs to feel safe on and off the road,” Kylie said. “That’s what we are trying to get across to people. You have to think of the people inside and outside of your vehicle.”
Harry had just turned 18 when he died in a beach crash on Bribie Island. A graduate of St Eugene College, he loved to train deadlifts at World Gym Burpengary.
The Deadlift for Harry event on 8 June will feature a deadlift competition and free activities including an animal farm and face-painting, alongside stalls from local businesses. One highlight will be local candle-maker Bec from Hope Aromas, who created Harry’s memorial candles.
Free Driving Lessons
In addition to the annual event, the Harrison Payne Initiative is also funding 10 young people to help them gain their driver’s licenses.
Kylie said with the support of a grant from City of Moreton Bay, the initiative would assist five young people in the area while funding the other five themselves.
“With times the way they are at the moment, it’s hard to pay for driving lessons,” she said. “They might be taught by someone who is not a professional — and road rules have changed — so we need to make sure these kids are getting the right support and the right teachings.
“Harry has come from a family who were able to support him. His parents were able to pay for his driving lessons. There are kids out there who don’t have that opportunity and we want to support those kids in that journey in gaining their license.”
Kylie also encouraged everyone to visit the Harrison Payne Initiative website to purchase a ‘HKP03 Harrison’s Number Plate’ sticker, which serves as a conversation starter to tell Harry’s story and discuss the importance of speaking up in unsafe situations.
To purchase tickets to Deadlift for Harry and register for the 10 Driving Lessons for 10 Learner Drivers go to www.theharrisonpayneinitiative.com.au
Deadlift for Harry
- Saturday, 8 June, 7am
- World Gym Burpengary
- 157/161 Station Road, Burpengary.
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