Our People
6 June, 2026
Shannon's push for mental health awareness
ON average, nine people die by suicide every day in Australia — seven men and two women. For Gason People and Culture Officer Shannon McGrath, that number is far too high. Motivated to help raise awareness, Shannon has taken on the 2026 Push-Up Challenge, committing to complete 3,307 push-ups over 24 days in honour of the 3,307 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2024.
For Shannon, the challenge is deeply personal. Drawing on his own experiences with mental health struggles, he hopes to help break down the stigma around speaking up.
“It’s about getting the awareness out there,” he said.
“If this awareness gets out there and helps one person, then it’s a success. It’s done its purpose, in my opinion.”
Shannon said his motivation for participating goes far beyond raising awareness.
“Ultimately, it comes from my personal background,” he said. “I battled through things a few years ago.”
He believes one of the biggest issues facing regional communities and industries such as manufacturing and agriculture is the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health.
“Men in this industry — there’s still a stigma,” he said.
Men account for 76.5 per cent of suicide deaths in Australia, while women account for 23.5 per cent.
“I’m always talking to people and I hear, ‘Oh no, I don’t want to talk to anyone.’ It’s about trying to break that stigma — showing that it’s not weak to talk about things. Some people are getting better, but it’s still there.”
He said the issue extends well beyond the factory floor.
“It’s not just inside a factory; it’s the farming community as well,” he said. “The unfortunate thing is the suicide rate out there is astronomical too.”
People living in regional and rural communities are significantly more likely to die by suicide, with the ripple effects often felt throughout entire towns.
Reflecting on his nine years at Gason, Shannon said the loss of colleagues to suicide had reinforced just how devastating the impacts can be.
“It hurts everyone,” he said. “Especially in small towns. It’s about getting people to understand that if they talk about things, it can actually help a hell of a lot.”
To help manage his own wellbeing, Shannon said exercise has played an important role in his life.
“That’s one thing I do — I go to the gym most mornings,” he said. “That’s what helps me cope with things. Other people may have different ways of coping.”
Funds raised through the challenge will support The Push For Better Foundation, which funds mental and physical wellbeing initiatives.
“The foundation supports Lifeline and headspace for the young ones as well,” he said.
Despite travelling overseas during the campaign, Shannon is determined to complete the challenge and plans to share his progress on social media throughout the 24 days.
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