City of Greater Geraldton releasing its first public health plan with National Push-Up Challenge

Community wellbeing is being pushed to the fore as part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s first public health plan.

To launch the plan, the city is taking part in the National Push-Up Challenge to raise awareness of mental health issues, with all money raised donated to headspace Geraldton.

The challenge is 3214 push-ups over 23 days, representing the 3214 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2023.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and is challenging local groups and figures to get involved.

“We’d like to throw out our first challenge to the Mid West Ports Authority and our local member, Kirrilee Warr. The push-ups are in your court,” he said.

Mr Clune said he was going to build up to his push-ups.

“I don’t want to do myself an injury. Go too hard, too fast. I did two yesterday. I’ve done three today. So, by the 23rd day, I’m hoping I’ll get up to my quota,” he said.

“If we can bring the numbers down from what it is and the conversations that are had aren’t too late; everyone thinks ‘I should have done this. I could have done that’.

“So it gets people talking, gets people activated. There’s nothing like a bit of physical activity to get the brain cells working,”

City manager regulatory services Andy Gaze said people could take part as a team.

“It doesn’t have to be a proper push-up — on the knees, sit-ups, squats. It’s not just about doing push-ups but talking about mental health, suicide prevention and maybe saving a few lives,” he said.

The city’s health blueprint, Living Well in Greater Geraldton — Wellbeing Plan 2026-2031, aims to make it easier for the community to access greener spaces and provide inclusive programs, safer neighbourhoods and healthier environments.

“Public health is about preventing diseases, promoting healthy behaviours and addressing health disparities to prolong life. That is why we are committed to the development of our first public health plan, which will guide decision-making to foster healthier outcomes,” Mr Clune said.

The public is invited to have their say on the development of the city’s wellbeing plan, with feedback earning an entry into a draw to win a fitness tracker, yoga mat/towel or a smart water bottle.

The survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/livingwellinCGG and closes on Monday, August 25, at 9am.

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