The story behind the run
Kandiwal's story is one of the great acts of return in this country — and the Mitchell Plateau is one of its most extraordinary landscapes. Read it, and see it for yourself.
Kandiwal · Ngauwudu · Mitchell Plateau
Run for Kandiwal
One of the oldest living cultures on Earth is being kept alive by around thirty people — on their own, in one of the most remote corners of Australia. Run for Kandiwal raises funds to help them stay on Country, and to bring more families home.
Punamii-Uunpu (Mitchell Falls), Ngauwudu · © Matthew Birch Media
Why it matters
On the Mitchell Plateau — Ngauwudu, "high land of much water" — the Wunambal people have cared for Country for more than 70,000 years. After their families were drawn onto distant missions last century, four brothers held to a single dream for nearly thirty years: to bring their people home. In 1987 they did, re-establishing the community at Kandiwal.
Today around thirty people live there permanently — over 500 kilometres of rough dirt road from the nearest hospital, with no clinic, and a school the community has largely funded out of its own pocket. Support promised by government decades ago has never arrived. Still, they stay — keeping their language, their culture and their young people connected to Country. This run is a way for the rest of us to stand alongside them.
“We are trying to get families back on Country so the next generation knows their culture — so our tradition won't fade away.”Cathy Goonack · Kandiwal community
Where your support goes
Every dollar goes directly to the Kandiwal community, and the community decides what's needed most. Right now that means practical things that help families stay and thrive on Country — like a tractor and trailer to work the land and stay self-reliant, and a place to make and share their art.
Our aim is $20,000 — and with your help, more is well within reach.
Donate
You don't have to run to be part of this — a donation of any size helps a family stay on Country. 100% goes to the Kandiwal community.
Preview · live donations open once the campaign is created
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🔒 Secure payment · Australian-based · 100% to the Kandiwal community
About the run
Run for Kandiwal is a trail run across the plateau — from the community toward Punamii-Uunpu (Mitchell Falls) — taken on by a small group to raise money for Kandiwal. This year's run is in September 2026, starting in the afternoon and pushing on into the cool of the night.
It's a private, in-house event rather than a public race — but everyone can be part of what it's for. The most powerful thing you can do is give, and share this page with someone who can too.
FAQ
Where does my donation go?
100% goes to the Wunambal community of Kandiwal, paid into the community's own account. The community decides what's needed most — at the moment that includes a tractor and trailer to help them work the land and stay self-reliant, and a place to make and sell their art.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Donations are gratefully received as gifts. We're working on tax-deductible (DGR) status through a registered auspice — if and when that's in place, this page will be updated and eligible donations will receive a receipt.
When and where is the run?
September 2026, on the Mitchell Plateau (Ngauwudu) in the Kimberley, Western Australia — running from the community toward Mitchell Falls, starting in the afternoon and into the cool of the night.
Can I take part in the run?
The run itself is a small, private event on the plateau, not a public race. But anyone can take part in what it's for — by donating, and by sharing this page with others who can give.
How will I know what the money achieved?
We'll post updates here and through the campaign page as funds are put to work, so you can see exactly what your support made possible.
Who is behind this?
Run for Kandiwal is run in support of, and with the blessing of, the Wunambal community of Kandiwal — organised together with Matthew Birch Media and local partners on the Mitchell Plateau.