WA’s Local Hero: ‘Chief of push-ups’ Nick Hudson planning Canada challenge

While in Canberra this week, Nick Hudson had his mind somewhere else. WA’s Local Hero for 2024, Mr Hudson was in the capital for the Australian of the Year award, where he was recognised for his work in setting up The Push-Up Challenge . The challenge, in which participants do some push-ups each day to raise funds and awareness for mental health, encourages people to exercise and reach out to friends. Since it began seven years ago, more than 500,000 Australian participants have completed 900 million push-ups and raised over $40 million for mental health. This year’s task — 3249 push-ups over 24 days — recognises the number of Australians who died by suicide in 2023. Mr Hudson, the self-described “chief of push-ups” who set up what is now Australia’s largest fitness-based mental health event, said an international expansion into Canada was the next big step. “Canada has a very similar population, mental health maturity and needs as Australia, so we thought it’d be a good country to take on,” he said. “The push-up challenge encourages people to exercise and it also helps connect people as well. So as part of the event, people can take part in teams and keep track of how others in the team are going with their push-ups. Connection is one of our pillars. “Participants can fundraise — this year in Australia, they can support either Lifeline, Headspace or our own foundation. “It’s a great opportunity for individuals to make a difference to themselves and the wider community.” Canadian Mental Health Association chief executive Margaret Eaton said the challenge was a great way to support people who experience mental illness each year. “Everyone has mental health and it’s likely we all will experience a mental health issue at some point in our lives.” she said. “By pushing up and learning about mental health, we hope to break down the stigma attached to mental illness so that Canadians don’t think twice about reaching out for help, while offering them a new way to get active and connect with their community.” The Push-Up Challenge Australia will take place in June 2024. To register interest for the event, visit thepushupchallenge.com.au.