This June, headspace Geelong and headspace Corio are encouraging Geelong locals to push for better mental health by participating in Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event, The Push-Up Challenge.

Now in its tenth year, participants will take on 3,307 push-ups across 24 days in June, to remember and honour the 3,307 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2024.

From 3 to 26 June, over 200,000 Australians from all ages and walks of life will participate in the event which engages people in mental health through connection, physical activity and education. 

headspace Geelong’s spokesperson Bronagh Ritchie said, “The Push-Up Challenge is a great opportunity for Australians to talk about their mental health, learn how to best support each other and recognise when they might need to put their own hand up for help. Geelong locals have had so much fun pushing up and learning about mental health with us for the past few years, and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2026.”  

“More people than ever before are reaching out to headspace for help and support, and the money raised through The Push-Up Challenge will help us continue to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the Geelong region,” commented Bronagh Ritchie. 

Participants of all ages and abilities will do push-ups while learning about mental health, with the number of daily push-ups changing to reflect a vital mental health fact.

And if completing 3,307 push-ups feels out of reach, participants can set their own push-up goal, which can also be done as sit-ups, squats or tailored exercises, with progress tracked through a dedicated app.

2025 was The Push-Up Challenge’s biggest year in its history, and 2026 marks The Push-Up Challenge’s tenth year in Australia. 

Founder of The Push-Up Challenge, Nick Hudson, said, “As we enter our tenth year, I’m incredibly proud that The Push-Up Challenge has encouraged over 1 million Australians to take a more proactive approach to their fitness and mental wellbeing, raising more than $60 million for mental health services in the process - and we can’t wait to watch those numbers continue to grow. What started as a simple fitness challenge has grown into a fun way for every Australian to connect with their community, get fit, learn about mental health and honour the lives tragically lost to suicide.”

headspace Geelong and Corio are encouraging people of all ages, local businesses, gyms, clubs and schools in the area to join Team headspace Geelong or Corio.

headspace Geelong’s spokesperson Bronagh Ritchie said, “headspace Geelong and Corio are fundraising to support material aid, an offering we can only offer thanks to community donations. Material aid reduces financial stress and instability, helping young people maintain stronger mental health and emotional resilience. By ensuring access to basic needs, it creates a more secure foundation for wellbeing and recovery.”

We have already had a number of community members register their participation and support this year, including local gyms. One local Geelong gym, Strong Geelong, owner, Tyson Morrissy said, “At Strong Geelong, we’re proud to be taking part in headspace’s June Push-Up Challenge for better mental health. The gym isn't just about physical results. It’s about showing up on the hard days, building confidence, finding routine, relieving stress, and having a space where people feel supported and connected. Strength training has a positive impact on mental health, helping reduce anxiety, improve mood, build resilience, and create a healthier mindset both inside and outside the gym. That’s why this challenge means so much to us. Every push-up this June is about starting conversations, supporting those struggling, and reminding people they’re not alone. Let’s push for better mental health together.”

The Push-Up Challenge 2026 will run from 3 to 26 June. You can register for the free event as an individual, team, or get your whole workplace, club, gym or school involved at www.thepushupchallenge.com.au