Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek is launching his inaugural 24-Hour Challenge for Mental Health to help raise funds and awareness to support those dealing with this growing issue. 

The Mayor’s Challenge aims to unite people from around the world and encourage participation in a round-the-clock event to be held at The Crest Athletics Track, Bass Hill.

Individuals, businesses, schools and community groups are invited to walk or run over 24 hours, from 8:30am Thursday 16 April to 9am Friday 17 April, with all proceeds going towards supporting youth through Charlotte’s Wish Scholarships. Register to participate or donate.

This Challenge, and Charlotte’s Wish, honour the legacy of Charlotte O’Brien, who died by suicide at the age of 12 after experiencing bullying in school and online.

“This event is about sending a clear message that mental health challenges are real and can impact each and every one of us,” Mayor El Hayek said. 

“There are so many people suffering in silence with very little support and the increasing numbers of children experiencing this hidden pain is of real concern. 

“By bringing the community together we can break stigma, build connection and empower each other to thrive.” 

Hundreds of people have already registered to take part in the event, including Federal and State MPs, media personalities, sporting greats, our first responders and Emergency Services personnel, and community organisations.  

Some of those supporting include Mathew Howard and Kelly O’Brien, parents of 12-year-old Charlotte, Federal Education Minister Jason Clare, NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, two-time world boxing champion Billy Dib, Ozman ‘Oz’ Abu Malik from The Block, Olympians Melissa Wu and Jessica Hull, and former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs greats Josh Reynolds and James Graham.  

Interest in the event has also attracted several major organisations including global tech giant Microsoft, where staff from Shanghai, New York, Seattle, Dublin and beyond have formed teams to take part in a virtual hour of movement in Charlotte’s honour starting at 12pm (their local time) on 16 April. The time is symbolic and marks her age at the time of her passing. 

“Charlotte’s wish was that no other child experience what she went through,” Mat Howard said. 

“Her message — “everybody matters every day” — is what we have been sharing to raise awareness and inspire people to stand up and say something and not be a bystander.”

The scholarships will be delivered by not-for-profit organisation Step Into Action through a 12-month program and provide young people (years 6-8) from Canterbury-Bankstown with structured early wellbeing support to help them build resilience, connection and practical coping skills.

To learn more about the Challenge, visit cb.city/Mayors24HourChallenge

Download promotional photos + videos for visual and audio b-roll including:

• Message from Premier Chris Minns
• Message from Federal Education Minister Jason Clare
• Mayor El-Hayek’s interview with Mat and Kelly
• Celebrity ambassadors endorsing event such as Peter Overton, Melissa Wu and Josh Kelly (GWS Giants)
• An event promo video featuring the Mayor

What research tells us

According to a recent headspace survey, one in two young Australians (12-25) are living with high or very high levels of psychological distress.¹

We also know that around 75% of people living with mental ill-health begin experiencing symptoms before the age of 25.²

The good news is that young people are more willing than ever to seek support, and those who feel their mental health is improving say it’s due to better access to support services, more awareness and reduced stigma.¹ 

Kelly O’Brien and Mathew Howard, founders of Charlotte’s Wish, said:

“Our daughter, Charlotte, was so funny, kind, caring and the best big sister and daughter – we miss her every day.

“The community and the Mayor have wrapped their arms around us and it means the world to us.

“We invite everyone – of all abilities – to join the Challenge to celebrate Charlotte’s life and support these scholarships so young kids in the area have the support they need.”

Chris Barton, founder of Step Into Action, said:

“Step into Action is a youth mental health charity focused on prevention and getting more kids moving, connecting and practising kindness.

“We know exercise is a great way to prevent mental ill-health and to give people a better baseline for their wellbeing – but this Challenge is so much more.

“It’s about connecting and having conversations, and I’m looking forward to this the most as I prepare to walk the full 24 hours – it will be a big test of my resilience.”

What to expect at the 24-Hour Challenge for Mental Health

To keep participants motivated every step of the way, the event will include:

• A live DJ
• Red Bull activations and samples
• Special night-time “Light up the Night” session with glowsticks and fairy lights
• Awards for highest fundraiser and school/sport fundraiser, most laps completed and best dressed.
• A star-studded list of ambassadors and special guests including:

• The Hon. Jihad Dib MP, NSW Minister for Emergency Services
• The Hon. Jason Clare MP, Federal Minister for Education
• The Hon. Kylie Wilkinson MP, Member for East Hills
• Jessica Hull – Australian Olympic runner
• Melissa Wu – Australian Olympic diver
• Australian two-time world champion boxer Billy Dibb
• Former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs greats Josh Reynolds and James Graham
• GWS Giants players
• Surprise TV personalities and sporting superstars

How to get involved

Participants can take part in teams or as individuals, with the physical movement symbolising the mental health journey we are all on.

Whether you’re active for the full 24 hours as an individual or taking on a day or night session as part of a team, the shared timeframe represents collective effort, encouragement and resilience.

We also encourage as many donations as possible to support this important cause.

Who can take part?

The Challenge is open to participants aged 8 and over, including:

• seasoned runners

• casual walkers
• families and parents with prams
• businesses, schools and community organisations

This event is delivered by Council’s Active CB Team and proudly supported by Red Bull, Bankstown Sports Club, The Timing Guys, NOVOFIT, Hart Sport, Bulk Nutrients and Crayv.

^1. headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation survey, October 2025

^2. Mental Health – Productivity Commission Inquiry Report – June 2020