Flexi, Centenary Heights State High School take on Push-Up Challenge to raise funds for mental health, Lifeline Toowoomba

Thousands of Australians lost their lives to suicide in 2021 – an issue which has seen the need for support rise drastically. Here’s the touching way members of the community are raising awareness and money.

Thousands of Australians will lose their lives to suicide each year – a growing crisis which sadly led to the passing of 3144 people across the country in 2021.

Now workplaces, schools and members of the community are taking part in a fitness challenge to combat this concerning statistic by raising awareness and funds for Lifeline Darling Downs.

Founded in 2016, The Push-Up Challenge asks participants to complete 3144 push-ups in 23 days with a different daily target set to coincide with a mental health statistic.

Ready for the National Push-Up Challenge are (from left) Toowoomba Flexi School staff Julian Booth and students Lane Ellis, Jackson Tipple and Brodie Butlin at the Toowoomba launch to fundraise for Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Flexi School teacher Julian Booth said a record number of people had signed up to the school’s team this year with 18 students and nine staff members on board.

“Lifeline Darling Downs does a lot to support our young people so this is our way of giving back,” he said.

“Raising awareness around mental health issues is our bottom line.”

Jackson Tipple, 16, is one of the brave students taking up the challenge and said he had been busy training in the lead-up to the event.

“I’m doing this to raise awareness for mental health but I also want to work on my fitness,” he said.

“It’s only day one so no challenges so far but I’ve managed to do a few sets already.”

Toowoomba Flexi School students Jackson Tipple (left) and Brodie Butlin are ready for the National Push-Up Challenge at the Toowoomba launch to fundraise for Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Meanwhile students from Centenary Heights State High School have also set up their own team for the challenge.

School captain Liberty Anstiss and sports captain Jasmin May said they wanted to encourage as many people as possible to give it a go.

“I know a few people close to me who have personally struggled with mental health,” Ms May said.

“Sometimes I think it can get overlooked, especially with men but it’s an issue that affects everyone at some point in their lives.”

Ready for the National Push-Up Challenge are (from left) Centenary Heights State High School students Kya Daley, Harrison King, Liberty Anstiss and Toowoomba Flexi School student Ash Hoghes at the Toowoomba launch to fundraise for Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Lifeline Darling Downs acting chief executive officer Rachelle Patterson said record numbers of people across the country were reaching out to the organisation.

“The Push-Up Challenge is a great opportunity for our local community across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland to talk about mental health, learn how to best support each other and recognise when they might need to put their own hand up for help,” she said.

“Money raised will support our services which we deliver in our local community.”

The Push-Up Challenge runs from June 1 to 23, however the public are able to register at any time with alternative exercises such as sit-ups or squats also accepted.

To register or donate to the cause visit thepushupchallenge.com.au/beneficiary/lifeline-darling-downs--south-west-qld

If you or someone you know is in need of support please phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.