Not at all! You can swim at your own pace, using any stroke you prefer, as long as you can swim for 15-minute intervals. In 2023, one team even completed the entire 24-hour event using only the butterfly stroke!
Swim For Life 2025
North Perth Bendigo Bank
Event Date
15th - 16th November 2025
Location
Terry Tyzack Leisure Centre
What started in 2019 as a small group of men raising money for an important cause has grown into one of the most significant events on the Mens Talk calendar. Now in its 7th year, North Perth Bendigo Bank Swim For Life is more than just a fundraising event—it’s a powerful initiative aimed at building better men within the local community and reducing male suicides.
In 2025, we’re making a splash like never before. Held at Stirling Leisure Centre – Inglewood, Swim for Life will feature two thrilling relay-style swimming events.
But it’s not just about the swim. We’re creating a vibrant, family-friendly event with food trucks, music, activities, water slides, and more. Together with Stirling Leisure Centre – Inglewood, we’re aiming to raise a record-breaking $250,000—because with your support, we can make a real difference in our community.
$254,330.55 of $250,000.00 raised
Donations
Every dollar donated to Swim for Life funds free mental health support for men, including mentoring, hubs, workshops and youth programs, helping reduce isolation and prevent male suicide through Mens Talk.
Leaderboards
Teams compete to raise the most donations and swim the most laps, with both efforts tracked on our live leaderboards to inspire friendly competition and highlight top-performing teams.
The Need To Know Dates
Event Timeline
18 May
Early Bird Tickets Available
Early bird tickets available from 18 May 2025. Register early and secure your team’s ticket for $20 off!
1 June
General Registrations Open
Didn’t gather your team in time? No worries! Tickets are still available at the regular price.
18 August
Registrations Close
Secure your spot before August 18th! With only 20 spots available—10 for 9-hour sessions and 10 for 24-hour sessions—register quickly to avoid missing out on this year’s event.
19 August
Teams Finalised & Donations Open
Once all teams are confirmed, donations will be open to the general public. Simply click ‘Donate’ and choose the team you’d like to support!
15 November
North Perth Bendigo Bank Swim For Life Event
24-hour teams will begin at 5:00 PM on November 15, while 9-hour teams will start at 8:00 AM on November 16. Both teams will swim until 5:00 PM on Sunday.
Swimming for Men's Mental Health
About The Event
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.
Mens Talk is a men’s health promotion charity dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces for men to talk, connect, and seek help on their mental health and wellbeing journey.
Through our community-based programs and Katitjin Blue Mind Places in Scarborough and Busselton, we provide men with access to essential information, referral services, and peer mentoring to support their mental well-being.
Our mission is to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create an environment where men feel empowered to seek help and share their experiences without judgment. We offer a range of services, including:
- One-on-one peer mentoring
- Group discussions
- Referrals to professional mental health services
Whether it’s managing stress, overcoming anxiety, or navigating personal challenges, Mens Talk ensures that every man can access the support they need, whenever they need it.
Volunteers & Supporters
Get Involved
Volunteers
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of volunteers—and this year, we need your help!
Donations
Every dollar donated to North Perth Bendigo Bank Swim For Life goes directly towards delivering free mental health programs for men.
News & Updates
What’s New
As we count down to North Perth Bendigo Bank Swim For Life, this is your go-to spot for all the latest news and updates. Keep an eye on this section for important announcements, donation milestones, team highlights, and more. Staying connected means you won’t miss a thing—whether it’s a new team smashing their fundraising goals, a volunteer spotlight, or exciting event day activities.
Make sure you’re always in the loop as we build momentum toward an unforgettable Swim for Life event.
Need Help or More Info?
Get The Details
Do I need to be an experienced swimmer to participate?
Can I use any swimming assistance?
No. To maintain a fair and equal playing field for all participants—especially with prizes and awards at stake—swimming assistance such as fins, snorkels, floaties, or any other aids are not permitted.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Participants must be aged 12 or above. Those aged between 12 and 16 require parental approval before taking part in the event.
How do the relays work?
In the 24-hour event, teams of six will take turns swimming in 15-minute intervals. In the 9-hour event, teams of four will do the same. Only one swimmer is in the water at a time, while teammates rest, cheer, and recover.
After completing your last lap, simply head to the recording table, tell a volunteer your team number, and you’re free to dry off if you choose.
We’ll keep the energy high with music, a lively atmosphere, and volunteers to help teams stay on track—making it a fun and unforgettable experience.
How do I raise money?
Donations can be made directly through the North Perth Bendigo Bank Swim For Life website. Simply visit the “Donate” tab, choose the team you’d like to support, and contribute. A live leaderboard will keep track of team donations, and each participant will have a personal fundraising page to monitor their progress.
As a participant, there are plenty of ways you can fundraise! Some popular ideas include:
- Golf days
- Budgie car wash
- Lap-a-thon
- Quiz nights And more!
The Swim for Life team is here to support you with setting up your fundraising events if needed, making it easy to get involved and make a difference.
