Canberra public servant Nick Weickart carries a tattoo on his right arm with the date August 11, 2020, marking the day his best mate Robbie died by suicide.At just 22, Nick describes the tattoo as a reminder of both the tragedy and the way it transformed his outlook on life.From that day on, he vowed to appreciate every moment and live more meaningfully.

Nick channels this mindset into giving back to the community, participating for the sixth year in The Push-Up Challenge, Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event.

Each participant completes a number of push-ups equivalent to the lives lost to suicide in the most recent data year; in 2024, this was 3037 push-ups.Nick hopes his involvement helps spark conversations about mental health and reduce these statistics.

Having experienced depression since he was 10, Nick found support through Menslink in Canberra, which taught him the importance of speaking up and checking in with others.This year, he aims to raise $5000 for mental health causes, but emphasises that fostering dialogue and awareness is just as crucial as fundraising.

Through his tattoo, fundraising, and participation in The Push-Up Challenge, Nick honours Robbie while encouraging Australians to take mental health seriously and support one another.