Council members from the City of Ballarat and Federation University will demonstrate their push-up power today in Queen Victoria Square, opposite Ballarat Town Hall, to raise awareness to support Headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Organisation, over 21 days in July.
The Push-Up Challenge, which first started last year, highlights the devastating number of Australian lives lost to suicide in 2017.
Once the national challenge begins on 8 July, the Council teams will work towards achieving a total of 3,128 push-ups for the 3,128 lives lost to suicide in 2017.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh says it's important the two Councils get behind this important campaign to raise awareness and encourage discussion and support for mental health in the Ballarat region.
"Our vision for Ballarat, as outlined in our Council Plan and supported in our Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-21, is for a proud city that is bold, vibrant and thriving. We are continually planning and preparing our city for growth and to retain high quality facilities and services for the community.
"We also recognise our community is at the heart of this vision, and to achieve this vision, we need to support our community to attain a higher level of health and wellbeing."
Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett says: "We often talk about having a healthy body and a healthy mind - the Push-Up Challenge is a great way to link the two and raise awareness about mental health.
"This is something we are very focussed on at Federation University. We're rated as the number one university in Australia for student support, which includes counselling and health services, support with study and finding a job.
"We know that starting university or TAFE can be a daunting experience and we really pride ourselves on making sure our students have the support they need."
The Councils are encouraging other Ballarat businesses, organisations and groups to get on board and get pushing for a better July.
