19 June 2025
Navy personnel across the country, and even those deployed at sea, have been pushing themselves to the limit of peak physical fitness in a friendly competition to raise awareness for mental health.
Across 23 days in June, participating officers and sailors will complete 3214 push-ups as part of the Push-Up Challenge.
The target of 3214 push ups represents the number of Australians who lost their lives to suicide in 2023.
The challenge seeks to educate participants on mental wellbeing and fitness, while raising money to support its chosen charities delivering crisis support, prevention and early intervention services to the community.
Physical training instructor Leading Seaman Armilyn Pontanes is participating for the first time, and said it was a social way to start difficult conversations.
“It’s something we don’t usually talk about, so having a physical contest like this really helps,” Leading Seaman Pontanes said.
The challenge’s impact has been remarkable. University of Melbourne research on 2024 participants found significant improvements in mental wellbeing, resilience and social connection – and a significant reduction in anxiety and depression.
'It’s something we don’t usually talk about, so having a physical contest like this really helps.'
Physical training instructor Leading Seaman Benjamin Stewart highlighted the importance physical training instructors placed on personnel participating in these community events.
“We do it a lot in the Navy,” Leading Seaman Stewart said.
“We have helped with fundraisers and making people aware of the challenges Australians face every day, and these types of events help bring that to light.”
The initiative is run annually by the Push For Better Foundation. Chief executive Nick Hudson said the concept originated from his own experience with depression, when he became aware of how connecting with mates through fitness positively impacted his mental health.
“Taking on the Push-Up Challenge is no easy feat. But year after year, Australians show up for us,” Mr Hudson said.
“We're thrilled to have the Navy participate in the 2025 challenge. They are helping us spark thousands of conversations about mental health every single day, helping us improve Australia’s mental health literacy while also breaking down the stigma attached to mental illness.
“Together, we’re letting people who are struggling know that they can reach out and receive the support they need without judgment.”
Each day, participants receive a push-up target and corresponding mental health fact, aimed at improving mental health awareness, taking proactive steps and starting conversations.
For those worried they won’t be able to crack the 3000 push-ups target, there is the opportunity to substitute them with squats or sit-ups.
The challenge will run until June 26. More information can be found at The Push-Up Challenge.
