The Push-Up Challenge represented Western Australia in this year’s national Telstra Best of Business Awards, winning the Building Communities Award.
The Push-Up Challenge represented Western Australia in this year’s national Telstra Best of Business Awards, winning the Building Communities Award.
The not-for-profit organisation was selected from more than 22,000 nominations, being recognised for its advocacy of mental health through an annual push-up event.
The overall winner of the Business of the Year Award 2024 was Victoria-based DJAARA, an enterprise that represents the Dja Dja Wurrung People of Central Victoria.
DJAARA protects Indigenous cultural heritage and works in partnership with government and community to manage land and resources, and also won the Indigenous Excellence award.
The Telstra Best of Business Awards gala was hosted in Melbourne on Thursday evening over a formal dinner.
The Push-Up Challenge was launched in 2017 as a virtual fundraising event that involves participants completing a target number of push-ups (or an alternative exercise of their choice).
The challenge takes place in June each year and aims to spread awareness, boost mental and physical health.
It has raised more than $50 million over the last eight years and has engaged over 700,000 Australians, who have completed a total 1 billion push-ups (or other exercise).
The Push-Up Challenge’s charity arm, Push for Better Foundation, has become the fourth biggest philanthropic foundation in Western Australia, according to Data & Insights.
The foundation funds a suite of mental health education initiatives and support services.
The Push-Up Challenge founder and chief executive Nick Hudson said winning a Telstra Best of Business Award marked a special moment in the organisation’s journey.
“I'm so proud of my team at TPUC, whose efforts have allowed us to get to where we are today, standing out among 22,000 nominees to be crowned one of Australia's best businesses,” Mr Hudson told Business News.
“2024 has been our biggest year yet, and taking the Challenge to Canada has marked the start of our efforts in improving the mental fitness of the world.
“I can't wait to see what the future holds for The Push-Up Challenge, as it continues its push for better mental health outcomes across the country and abroad.”
Although The Push-Up Challenge had expanded beyond its base in Perth to involve participants from across Australia, 2024 marked the first year the event had taken place overseas.
The challenge was held in Canada in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, running from February 1 to 23.
Telstra Business group executive Amanda Hutton said this year’s winners highlighted the resilience of Australia’s small business community.
“After a competitive process involving thousands of businesses, our judges recognised the clear merits and transformative impact of DJAARA as a trailblazer in its field for Indigenous Excellence,” Ms Hutton said.
“What stands out about this year’s winner is their connection to purpose which drives this organisation at its core.”
The other Telstra Best of Business Award winners were:
Ikuntji Artists (Northern Territory), winning Accelerating Women
Bellberry (South Australia), winning Championing Health
Verterra Ecological Engineering (Queensland), winning Embracing Innovation
Proptech Labs (New South Wales), winning Outstanding Growth
Wildlife Drones (Australian Capital Territory), winning Promoting Sustainability
