July 2, 2026

Pushing-Up Against Suicide at the Monthly WSPN Breakfast

WSPN group photo. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith.  

The Whitsunday community showed its strength both physically and emotionally at the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network's monthly breakfast, where participants tackled The Push-Up Challenge in support of better mental health.

“The purpose of this morning is to get around people,” said WSPN team leader Matt Stokes.

The great turn out of around 100 people was much needed, as the WSPN challenged participants to wake up with exercise as part of Australia's Push-Up Challenge.

Photo Credit: Zach Houtenville.  

“We’re trying to achieve 3,307 push-ups, which signifies how many people died to suicide in 2024,” Matt said just before the challenge started.  

“There are some people that’ll do 5, there are some who will do 60 but that’s our goal for today.”  

Dan and Anton from Whitsundays Martial Arts. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith.  

On top of the push-ups, the event also featured guest speakers Anton and Dan from Whitsunday Martial Arts, who spoke about the benefits of taking up martial arts and encouraged people of all experience levels to give it a go.  

“The sense of community that it brings and you find that there’s really good opportunities to have a chat with your peers while you're suffering on the mats,” Dan Zealand said.  

Push-up Challenge. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith.  

“For those moments,the rest of the world shuts out.

“Whatever stuff you’re carrying into the gym, you leave it all on the mats.”

WSPN hosts these BBQs on the last Friday of every month at 6.30am at Shirtfront Solutions. All are invited, and encouraged, to attend.  

WHAT: WSPN BBQ Breakfast

WHEN: Last Friday of every month (next is July 31st), 6.30am

WHERE: Shirtfront Solutions Carpark