Students push-up for change

College director of programs Thomas Dicker said students had shown great initiative in getting involved, especially seniors on the Brigidine Campus.

“We ran it last year and it was heavily supported by staff. What we saw in the lead into this year is students took a real lead and desire to take charge,” he said.

The Push-Up Challenge is the country’s largest mental health and fitness fundraising event, designed to encourage connection and movement.

From June 4 to 26, participants aim to complete 3214 push-ups, representing the number of Australian lives lost to suicide in 2023.

Lifeline and headspace are the two main beneficiaries of the challenge, receiving over $12 million from last year’s efforts nationally.

Mr Dicker said the college’s main focus was on educating students about the benefits of being active.

“For us it’s about creating that awareness, and what the power of exercise does to mental health in our young people,” he said.

“headspace are a magnificent sponsor of ours, so anything we can do to raise their profile in the area, that’s ultimately our goal as well.”

While the challenge only runs for a limited time, its impact can have a lasting effect on participants.

A recent study from the University of Melbourne found those involved reported significant boosts in mental wellbeing, resilience and social connection.

Following last year’s challenge, Mr Dicker said he had noticed a lasting effect on students at the college as well.

“The conversations last two, three months and throughout the whole year about what exercise and what wellbeing does,” he said.

“Mental health isn’t just about these key periods when they come up in our timetable.”

To track the college’s progress, visit thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/stjosephsechuca

If you or someone you know is in need of support, Lifeline is available 24/7 by phoning 131 114, texting 0477 131 114, or visiting lifeline.org.au