Neil Gardiner

Mental Miles: Glitter Across the Outback

Mental Miles: Glitter Across the Outback

We’re Neil and Ryan, and we’re embarking on a fabulous 2,800 mile (4,500 kilometre) road trip across the heart of Australia to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute, a charity dedicated to mental health research and support. Inspired by the iconic Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, we’re trading sequins for steering wheels and glitter for grit as we journey from Darwin to Brisbane, stopping in small towns, outback roadhouses, and stunning natural landmarks along the way.


Mental health affects us all, and this cause is close to our hearts. Through this fundraiser, we hope to not only raise money but also start conversations, break stigmas, and highlight the importance of access to mental health care in rural and remote areas. Whether it’s a dollar or a message of encouragement, your support means the world to us.


Join us on this adventure as we prove that a little sparkle can go a long way—even in the dusty outback. Follow our journey, donate if you can, and help us make a difference, one kilometre at a time.

My Achievements

My Updates

I did it!

Sunday 29th Dec
The jump was so exhilarating and scary and fun and amazing!

3 sleep until it’s Go Time!

Tuesday 17th Dec
I’m super grateful for how generous so many people have been so far.

When Ryan suggested a fundraiser I thought if we get a couple of hundred dollars for a great cause, that’s awesome.

I didn’t think we would hit the big $1000 when I agreed to a bungy jump - but it happened!

Will bungee jump at $100

Thursday 12th Dec
So here’s the deal, there are goals between $1000 and now BUT….

If I hit $1000 I will self fund a bungee jump in Cairns and post the footage.

(I’m not a heights person, and I’ve never done a jump before so it’s quite the Big Thing for me!)

Will sing for donations

Tuesday 10th Dec
For every donation we receive over $50 we will do carpool karaoke to a song of your choice from our repertoire - https://music.apple.com/au/playlist/mental-miles-carpool-karaoke/pl.u-jV89DagIdqrN0B

Thank you to my Sponsors

$143.48

Anonymous

$4000!

$32.10

Ryan Macdonald

Go team Glitter! I'm so proud of us

$80.25

Ryan Macdonald

Go team Glitter! I'm so proud of us

$106.12

Elliott

Great cause Neil - well done!

$54.12

Karen Blackmore

$75

Hannah Wood

Goooooooo West, finally it's happening to me!

$106.12

Erin

Amazing job - such a worthy cause 💜

$106.12

Allison Gardiner

Woohoo

$54.12

Owen Lambourn

Great work Neil ❤️

$30

Jonathon Hannon

The budgies got me

$75

Mark

$10

Mark Travia

Enjoy your journey!

$27.81

Laura Ruddlesden

Best of luck Neil! Laura

$78.94

Sam Henry

What an amazing initiative!

$54.12

P1 And P2

Woooo!!! Have an awesome trip!

$80.25

Scott Robertson

$54.12

Frank Leung

Enjoy your trip mate

$106.12

Maria Mikolics

$54.12

Chrissie M

$54.12

Sarah A

Can’t wait to see that bungee jump!

$158.25

Next Smile Sydney

Super proud of you and your beautiful smile! Well done on raising money for a wonderful cause. Be safe and have an amazing time! From the Next Smile Sydney team. :)

$33

Julia Xu

Enjoy your travel Neil

$106.12

Antonia Scorciapino

Don't forget to jump!

$54.12

Kelvin

Safe travels!

$54.12

Andrew Sharkey

$11.59

Katie Smith

$54.12

Shannon Molloy

$211

Drew Wentzel

$54.12

James Manning

Hope you have a blast and smash your target 🚌🚨👠

$50

Joanne Crossley

$31.65

Diana Z

You will be awake for this trip right?? Ryan won't have a Weekend at Bernie's situation happening?? 😆😆 can't wait to enjoy the updates from this trip!!

$52.75

Dan

Get it girl! Can’t wait to see your pics and see how much you both raise for this worthy cause. 🩷