Jarrod Woodgate of Hot100 urges locals to take part in Push Up Challenge for mental health

A veteran turned Darwin radio host has invited Territorians to participate in a fitness challenge to raise awareness for mental health.

Radio host Jarrod Woodgate and his fiancee Kristy Love who became engaged in the final week of April 2025. Picture: Supplied

When Jarrod Woodgate was medically discharged from the army after 12 years of service, his mental health spiralled.

From as young as 17, he was so sure that a “forever career” in the army was what he wanted – and he made sure to put in the work.

He trained non-stop; served time in Timor as part of a peacekeeping mission that later escalated, and was eventually promoted to corporal.

But suddenly his career came hurtling down after a blood cancer diagnosis.

“I got the door slammed in my face,” said Mr Woodgate, now a passionate mental health advocate.

Radio host Jarrod Woodgate and his fiancee Kristy, who became engaged in the final week of April 2025. Picture: Supplied

“The army turns you into this fighting machine that you don’t recognise … then you just get sent home.”

Although it has been nearly 10 years since then, Mr Woodgate – who once badly suffered from PTSD, anxiety and depression – said it was not until a couple of years ago when things began to ease.

The veteran turned Hot100 Darwin radio host is now inviting Territorians to participate in The Push-Up Challenge from June 4-26 to raise awareness for mental health.

Participants of the challenge will take on 3,214 push-ups across the challenge to honour and remember the 3,214 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2023.

In 2024, more than 218,000 participants completed over 317 million push-ups and raised over $12m for mental health.

If completing 3,214 push-ups feels out of reach, participants can set their own push-up goal or choose exercise alternatives such as sit-ups, squats or tailored exercises, with progress tracked through a dedicated app.

Radio host Jarrod Woodgate and his fiancee Kristy, who became engaged in the final week of April 2025. Picture: Supplied

Mr Woodgate said he encouraged Territorians to give the challenge a crack.

“You can be a civilian, firefighter, police officer, defence, or whatever … everybody deals with mental health differently and some people just don’t know how to start that conversation,” he said.

“Jump on board, get involved and let’s all push for better mental health.

“We have a great life up here.

“We should be proud because we have got a beautiful city and we should all be very lucky that we get to live in such a sunny, warm, and chilled out town.”

Radio host Jarrod Woodgate and his fiancee Kristy, who became engaged in the final week of April 2025. Picture: Supplied

Mr Woodgate credits much of his mental health improvement journey to his fiancee, Kristy, who he proposed to in late April.

Mr Woodgate rose to fame during the 2017 season of the Bachelorette, where he vied for Sophie Monk’s heart.

To register and get involved in the push for better mental health, visit thepushupchallenge.com.au

Originally published as Jarrod Woodgate of Hot100 urges locals to take part in Push Up Challenge for mental health