Peninsula Villages staff are coming together this month in an inspiring display of teamwork, motivation, and community spirit as part of The Push-Up Challenge, running from June 4 to 26, 2025.
The challenge asks participants to complete 3,214 push-ups (or 1,607 for a half target) over 23 days in recognition of the 3,214 Australians who died by suicide in 2023. It’s a powerful way to raise awareness and funds for mental health, and Peninsula Villages staff have wholeheartedly embraced the cause.
Building on the success of the recent Squat Challenge, this latest initiative adds a healthy dose of inter-departmental competition. To keep things fair, totals are calculated based on the number of push-ups, squats or sit-ups completed per department and then averaged out by the number of team members. A new trophy is up for grabs and departments are rising to the challenge with great enthusiasm.
Participants have the flexibility to adapt the challenge to suit their fitness level. Whether it’s full push-ups, squats, sit-ups or modified movements like bench push-ups, staff are doing what they can, in their own way, to contribute to the shared goal.
Staff member Nicola Burton shared her excitement about the challenge and its purpose. She is combining squats and bench push-ups to meet her target and has set a $1,000 fundraising goal, aiming to surpass the impressive $1,500 raised during the last challenge.
Supporting the effort is Food Services and Catering Manager Stephan Blant, who has been on his own fitness journey and is currently training for his second HYROX challenge. Easily spotted in his blue Push-Up Challenge polo, Stephan is encouraging and supporting teams throughout the month.
The Push-Up Challenge not only encourages movement and healthy habits, but it also brings people together for a meaningful cause. Through each rep, staff are helping to shine a light on mental health and demonstrating the Peninsula Villages’ commitment to wellbeing at every level.
