General News
4 July, 2026
Zavier makes a push for mental health
TEN-year-old Zavier Sullivan has completed this year's Push-Up Challenge, finishing 3,307 push-ups in 24 days while raising $629 for Lifeline and helping raise awareness of mental health.
Supported by local business The Room and its patrons, Zavier exceeded his fundraising target while dedicating this year's challenge to his late uncle, Matthew Sullivan.
"With Uncle Matt gone it's made me sad, so this is why I am doing the Push-Up Challenge, to help people to not be in my position," Zavier said on his Push up Challenge fundraiser page.
This is the fourth year Zavier has taken part in the challenge.
"Most of my family are doing it," he said.
While proud of his achievement, Zavier admitted the challenge wasn't always easy.
"Most days it gets hard," he said.
On the final day alone, he completed 229 push-ups before school.
"I get kind of embarrassed at school when I do it," he said.
This year's challenge totalled 3,307 push-ups.
Zavier's father, Mark Sullivan, said he was incredibly proud of his son's efforts.
"I'm super proud. He's got his own heart in this, but he's also doing it for bringing mental health to the forefront in the community, getting a discussion out there, getting people talking about it, making people aware they are not on their own," he said.
Local hairdresser ‘The Room’ also helped support the fundraiser, with owner Verity Nicols hosting a donation box in the salon.
Mark said the community support had meant a great deal.
"Locals supporting someone like Zavier at his age doing this sort of thing is incredible," he said.
Zavier said he was grateful for everyone who had backed him.
"Not many people would support me at my age, but I'm happy," he said.
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