Mayor's 24-Hour Challenge for Mental Health

Did you know, 75% of mental health conditions develop before age 25*?

According to new research from Headspace, nearly half (49%) of young Australians experience high or very high levels of psychological distress. The research also tells us there's hope. More than ever before, young people are willing to get help. Those who feel their mental health is improving say it's due to better access to support services, more awareness and reduced stigma.

Early wellbeing support can change lives.

*Source: Step Into Action Foundation, 2026

Participants of all skills and abilities are welcome to join for as long as they can, from a few hours to the full 24. You can form a team, join a team – or take it on solo. 

All participants must be aged 8+ and commit to raising funds for Charlotte’s Wish Scholarships.

Day sessions and night sessions (teams or solo)

If you can’t commit to the full 24 hours, you can still get involved! There will be day sessions and night sessions to choose from – making it easy for everyone to participate.

• Join during the day and walk a few laps at your own pace
• Drop in after work and get your steps in
• Be part of our special “Light Up the Night” session and walk under the lights with the community

There will be an Active Kids Club onsite for children aged 0-7, run by Council's Children Services Team to keep young kids entertained while parents complete their laps.

24-hour teams

Build a team with family, friends and colleagues and take it on together!  

• Roster shifts – plan ahead and schedule who’s on when
• Share the load – work as a team and rotate to stay fresh
• Always one person on track – at least one team member must be on the track at all times 

24-hour solo participant

• Take on the challenge by yourself, aim for a personal best or aim for a 24-hour goal!

• Duration: 24 hours of continuous activity on the track
• Participants: individuals or teams who register to take part commit to raising funds and completing laps during the event
• Event schedule
  • Thursday 16 April
    • 7am - Registration opens
    • 8:30am - Event briefing and opening ceremony
    • 9am - Laps start
    • 10pm - Lights out and quiet time
  • Friday 17 April
    • 7am - Quiet time ends
    • 9am - Last lap and finish
• Laps: each lap represents a step toward mental health awareness and healing
  • All laps will be recorded with electronic chip timing by The Timing Guys; the chips will be attached to each participant's bib
  • Number of laps and distances will be shown on a electronic display located near the start line throughout the event and as live updates online
  • Participants may leave the track at any time during the event for rests or other reasons but must return to
    the same point on the track and continue in the same direction
  • To avoid double lap counting, congregating or leaving/returning directly near the timing equipment is not permitted
  • Participants who decide to retire before the event ends must make their intentions known to the Race Director
    before finishing
• Rotation: participants can run, jog or walk laps at any pace while taking turns to ensure continuous movement throughout the event
• Support: alongside physical activity, the event encourages open conversations, sharing stories and providing resources related to mental health
• Goal: to collectively accumulate as many laps as we can, symbolising community strength and resilience
• Awards: awards will be given at the event for:
  • Highest fundraiser
  • Highest school/sport fundraiser
  • Best dressed
  • Most laps completed

To join the Mayor's 24-Hour Challenge, each participant or team must commit to raising funds for Charlotte's Wish Scholarships.

1. Create your account – once you register for the event, you will need to create your free fundraising account via Step Into Action. The Registration page will take you there.
2. Access your tools – participants and teams will then receive their own personalised fundraising page and tools to assist with their efforts

3. Support a great cause – every dollar raised goes directly to Charlotte’s Wish Scholarships

    

Special Guests

• Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, City of Canterbury Bankstown
• Mat and Kelly O'Brien - parents of Charlotte O'Brien
• Chris Barton - Founder, Step into Action
• Jessica Hull - Australian Olympic middle and long-distance runner

Activities

• Red Bull activations and samples
• Bankstown Arts Centre pixel artwork
• CBCity Youth Team screen-printing
• Themed laps

• Participants must stay on the track during their laps
• First two (2) lanes of the track will be for runners only, remaining lanes will be for walkers
• Teams can organise shifts for each member to keep their laps going for the full 24 hours
• Minimum of four (4) people per team
• One (1) person per team must always be on the track
• Solo participants can complete as many laps as they safely can within the 24 hours and choose when to take breaks; the solo challenge is simply to see how many laps you can achieve, not to go non‑stop
• Respect and support are mandatory – this is a safe, stigma-free space
• Participants are encouraged to engage in conversation and share their experiences to foster connection and understanding
• Participation terms and conditions apply

Team base setup 

• Each team and solo participant will be allocated 4m x 4m space on the athletics field
• Swag or gazebo (weighted down, pegs NOT permitted) – for shade, shelter, and a place to rest
• Groundsheet or tarp – to keep the area dry and clean
• Chairs and folding tables – for comfort and organisation
• Team banner/signage – to identify your group and boost morale
• Lighting – headlamps, lanterns, fairy lights or battery-powered lamps for night time
• Power banks or small generators – to charge phones and lights
• Rubbish bags – to keep your area tidy and for proper disposal

Running and walking gear

• Comfortable running/walking shoes – a backup pair may come in handy in case of wet weather
• Moisture-wicking socks – multiple pairs are suggested
• Weather-appropriate clothing – such as a rain jacket, warm layers, sun hat
• Headlamp or flashlight – essential for night-time laps
• Running belt or small hydration pack – for personal items and water on the go
• Spare clothes – including dry shirts, shorts/pants and undergarments

Food and hydration – kiosk will be open during the day only

• Water bottles and refillable jugs – hydration is key
• Electrolyte drinks or tablets – to prevent dehydration
• Healthy snacks – fruit, nuts, trail mix, granola bars etc.
• Main meals (easy to prepare/reheat) – pasta, sandwiches, wraps, rice dishes
• Cooler or esky – for perishable food
• Utensils, plates, cups, napkins, and bin bags
• Thermos for coffee/tea – useful during the night shift!

Health and safety

• First aid kit – blister plasters, tape, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, etc.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• Blankets or sleeping bags – for warmth during rest breaks
• Earplugs and eye mask – if trying to sleep while others are active

Themed outfits – get creative and pack to match the themes

• Wings for strength – you don’t have to carry it alone
• Glow through the night – light up for each other
• Wear pink for Charlotte – everybody matters, everyday
• Wear orange – together we stand against bullying
• Wacky wardrobe – let yourself be weird, because “different is brave”
• Buddy up – talk to someone new, you might change a life

• Toilets, showers and changeroom facilities will be available throughout the event
• Free parking will be available onsite - all equipment must be walked in
• Water station
• Certified first aiders will be available during the 24-hour duration
• A fully-stocked kiosk will be available during the day on Thursday 16 April – serving hot food, snacks, drinks, as well as tea and coffee to keep participants and supporters fuelled
• Bass Hill Plaza is a 5min drive for closest supermarket, bakery and shops