Swim For Life Virtual Challenge

Behind all the colours, excitement, and fun of North Perth Bendigo Bank Swim For Life lies a deeper purpose—saving lives.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 15–44 in Australia.

• 1 in 5 men will experience anxiety.
• 1 in 7 men will experience depression.
• 9 Australians die by suicide every day, and 7 of them are men.
• 1 in 4 men say they would never speak to anyone about their mental health.

But we’re determined to change these statistics. Lap by lap, donation by donation, we’re challenging stigma, opening conversations, and building a stronger support network for men.

Through our zero-cost programs—from one-on-one mentoring to drop-in hubs and youth initiatives—we’re creating a community where men feel seen, heard, and supported.

North Perth Bendigo Bank Swim For Life raises vital funds to support men’s mental health initiatives in the Perth community. Our programs include:

• Drop-in support services for men
• One-on-one mentoring
• Free workshops
• Men’s support groups
• Targeted programs for young boys
• Advocacy for better mental health outcomes

Thanks to Swim for Life, we can continue providing these essential services at no cost and expand our reach, ensuring more men receive the support they need.

This year, with your help, we’re aiming to make a splash—raising an incredible $250,000!

North Perth Bendigo Bank Swim For Life began in 2019 as a small group of men raising funds for a cause close to their hearts. Just two years later, in 2021, Mens Talk was founded, giving Swim for Life a clear purpose—supporting local men’s mental health.

By 2023, Swim for Life had grown beyond expectations, raising over $170,000—more than double the previous year’s total. Each year since, we’ve set new fundraising records, allowing us to expand both the event and the impact of Mens Talk.

In 2025, we’re entering a new era. With the support of the City of Stirling and the Stirling Leisure Centre – Inglewood, Swim for Life is set to be bigger and better than ever, featuring more activities, more excitement, and even greater community impact.

Participants can then register on the Mens Talk platform using their club code which they can select from the list. If you have a second club claim, please select your first club that you are registered to. Once you have signed up, you then will be able to log your laps that will automatically contribute to the club ladder.

Participants can also fundraise via the platform if they wish, it is not compulsory and there is no cost or fundraising obligation to participate.

Registrations open on Monday 8th September at 5pm and close at 5pm Monday 29th September. Swimmers can register their laps and donations from 8am October 1st until the 14th November at 5pm.

There are 4 x $500 prizes for the clubs with the highest distance swum, most money raised in total as well as those divided by average membership numbers, so smaller clubs have a chance too.

They will also be offering FREE Mental Health First Aid Courses, a value of $300 to all participants.