Push-up Challenge to 'strive for better'

St Columba's Catholic College Springwood students participating in The Push-Up challenge in 2023.

This national push-up challenge has more meaning than just the physical feat; Springwood's Lachlan Steadman said it's "a call for students to strive for better in the community".

The Year 11 student at St Columba's Catholic College is one of many Student Ambassadors for 'The Push-Up Challenge', Australia's largest mental health and fitness event.

Held each year in June, the most recent 2024 event saw a staggering 317 million push-ups completed across the country, raising more than $12 million for mental health charities Lifeline, headspace and The Push For Better Foundation.

Applications are now open for Student Ambassadors ahead of next year's event, and organisers are calling on students passionate about mental health to jump aboard.

Lachlan said: "We run this event to raise awareness for the mental health of all people, so that nobody feels alone.

"This event had widespread impact, from the engaged learning inside the classrooms to the fun physical activities at recess and lunch. This event has provided positively, encouraging students who have struggled with mental health issues to speak up and have a foundation to be supported in society."

St Columba's has participated in the challenge for a number of years, most recently integrating it through PDHPE classes with each student performing at least 10 pushups every lesson. In previous years it was done as a whole-school event at lunch time.

The importance of student leaders

Founder of The Push-Up Challenge, Nick Hudson, said the Student Ambassador Program is one of the organisation's proudest achievements to date.

"Watching students from around the country bring their communities together through fun and fitness is such a special thing," Mr Hudson said.

"This year we had over 640 Student Ambassadors lead over 33,000 students around the country in completing millions of push-ups.

"We can't wait to engage even more students and their communities in 2025 through an even bigger Student Ambassador Program, helping students, teachers and parents Australia-wide look after their mental health, foster a sense of connection and ultimately reduce stigma associated with mental illness."

The program offers successful applicants Mental Health Awareness training facilitated by a clinical psychologist, practical strategies to boost their own mental fitness, exclusive merchandise, workshops and event resources to support mental health education at their school.

Learn more about The Push-Up Challenge's 2025 Student Ambassador program and apply to take part