Cronulla RSL Champions ZERO600 Challenge to Combat Veteran Suicide
Each month, our nation faces the heartbreaking reality of losing six veterans to suicide. In response, Cronulla RSL is proud to support the ZERO600 Challenge, an initiative by Invictus Australia aimed at raising awareness and funds to address this critical issue. Cronulla RSL invite the community to join them, in making a difference for our veterans.
ZERO600 Challenge Details:
Dates: 1st - 6th June 2024
Objective: Engage in physical activity before 6am for six consecutive days
Purpose: Raise awareness and funds for programs supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of Australian veterans and their families
Cronulla RSL has enthusiastically formed a team and is encouraging everyone to participate. By joining the ZERO600 Challenge, you'll be taking an active role in supporting vital programs that help our veterans and their families through the power of sport.
Sign Up: Sign up for the challenge via https://zero600.com.au/signup (be sure to click ‘Join Team’, then look for ‘Cronulla RSL Community’)
Community Event:
Local running club, Strava Sharks, Rossco’s Run Club & Underground Run Club will be participating in the challenge.
They invite challengers looking to not rise alone, to their group runs over the 6 days.
Strava Sharks, will be leading a special ZERO600 community run on Sunday, 2nd June.
The details are as follows:
Meeting Point: 5:55am at ‘Peryman Square’, Cronulla
Route: Along the beautiful Esplanade at Cronulla
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers, symbolizing the six veterans lost each month, six days of challenge, and the 6am start
Pace: Social pace, suitable for all fitness levels
Cost: Free
We encourage everyone to come out and join us for this invigorating morning run as the sun rises. It’s an opportunity to connect with others, support a meaningful cause, and enjoy the transformative experience of a June sunrise.
Why ZERO600?
Winter mornings can tempt us to stay under the doona, but the ZERO600 Challenge inspires us to rise early and seize the day. By participating, we not only improve our own wellbeing but also shine a light on the struggles faced by our veterans, moving from darkness into light with each new day.
According to the 2021 census data, the Sutherland Shire is home to 4,574 current or former Defence members. With 500,000 veterans across Australia, our LGA stands out as one of the largest concentrations of Defence personnel, largely due to the presence of Holsworthy Barracks. At Cronulla RSL, we recognise veteran suicide as a critical issue that demands urgent attention in our local community.
The fundraising campaign raises funds to power sports programs that can strengthen mental, social and physical wellbeing of military veterans and families, that can help reduce veteran suicide.
Join the Challenge:
Commit to getting up at 6am for six days straight and take on the ZERO600 Challenge. Your participation will help raise crucial funds and awareness for veteran support programs. Together, we can make a significant impact.
“We know that the Sutherland Shire, has one of the largest amounts of current and ex defence personnel, above many other LGAs in the country. Cronulla RSL take the statistics of veteran suicide quite seriously” said Cronulla RSL Community Projects Manager, Natalie Hawkins. “Participating in initiatives like ZERO600 gives us the opportunity to create awareness about the issue and to foster a connection between local veterans and our community. We hope to get as many people as we can joining our Cronulla RSL ZERO600 team, embracing the military approach of rising early in June, to support Aussie Veterans”.
To register for the ZERO600 Challenge and learn more about how you can contribute, please visit our Cronulla RSL Community website.
Cronulla RSL is dedicated to supporting our veterans and fostering a strong, connected community. Through various initiatives and events, we aim to honour and assist those who have served our nation.
Contact: Natalie Hawkins, 02 8582 5002