Emma McCollum

Better Challenge 2026

My Activity Tracking

330,319
Steps

My target 279000 Steps

Why I’m Taking on the LIVIN Better Challenge

Mental health isn’t something we can switch on and off. It’s something we need to work on, nurture, and prioritise every single day and that’s exactly why I’m taking on the LIVIN Better Challenge.

This one is really close to my heart. I lost my brother to suicide, and it’s something that has changed me and the way I see the world. Since then, I’ve been involved in fundraising for mental health for many years, because I know how important it is to keep these conversations going and to make sure people feel supported before they reach that point.

The LIVIN Better Challenge is about showing up daily, moving my body, checking in with myself, and being more intentional about my wellbeing. Walking 9,000 steps a day feels achievable, but still meaningful, especially when it’s paired with one simple daily commitment, whether that’s connecting with someone, learning something new, creating, or just allowing myself proper rest.

By fundraising through this challenge, I’m helping support mental health education programs for young people across Australia, programs that start conversations early, break stigma, and give young people the tools and confidence to ask for help when they need it most.

If you’d like to support my journey, or even take on the challenge yourself, I’d love for you to join me. Let’s walk, reflect, fundraise, and LIVIN Better — together.

My Achievements

Updated Profile Pic

Shared your Page

Raised $500

Halfway to Fundraising Goal

Reached Fundraising Goal

Logged First Activity

Halfway to Steps Goal

Reached Steps Goal

My Updates

Saturday Parkrun

Saturday 30th May
This bunch knocked out a Parkrun this morning while I took on the important role of sideline supporter. Someone had to cheer them on. Although I’m resting up, it’s pretty awesome seeing others get out, move their bodies, and enjoy some fresh air with friends. A walk, a chat, a bit of sunshine simple things that can do wonders for your mental health. ❤️🤍

The Village

Saturday 30th May
Fridays steps done!! When you’re still out of action but all my awesome peeps are out there pounding the pavement for me. So grateful ❤️

The support crew

Wednesday 27th May
Family and friends getting out and making sure I reach my steps each day. Couldn’t do it without them ❤️🤍❤️🤍

Body says No

Sunday 24th May
So it’s been a bit of a week… but yes, I’m still here and I definitely haven’t given up. I won’t lie, I didn’t hit my steps everyday this week. After suddenly going from small walks to walking/jogging three times a day and going full steam ahead, my body decided it wasn’t exactly on board with the plan and threw a bit of a spanner in the works. Ended up with either shin splints or a possible stress fracture, and because of my history with blood clots I went to ED just to be safe. Thankfully it wasn’t that, but the doc said rest, ice and elevation which, to be fair, is exactly what everyone else had already been telling me. But I am stubborn😂 The hardest part has honestly been feeling like I was failing because I’d committed to the LIVIN Better Challenge and suddenly couldn’t do what I’d promised and I cried😭 But I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that resting is also part of the process. And this is where the Hubsta has stepped up getting the steps in for me, along with all my Sheila’s out there pounding the pavement in support while I can’t. So really have I failed? 🤔 I’m going to say absolutely not. If anything, this challenge has done exactly what it was meant to do, get people moving, talking and supporting each other. And right now, while I can’t do the walking myself, others are doing it for me. ❤️🤍

Evening walks

Sunday 24th May
Lovely afternoon walks once the Sun decided to come out

Gettin it done

Sunday 24th May
Days have been ticking along, nice walks of a weekend with the husband!

Day 12

Tuesday 12th May
Little struggle today with the wet weather but I never gave up!

Day 11

Monday 11th May
Different lunch time walking location today, nothing like changing it up a bit ❤️ Still determined 💪🏻

Day 9-10

Sunday 10th May
Lovely sunny weekend with multiple walks including a park run

Day 7-8

Friday 8th May
Getting the job done 💪🏻❤️🤍

Day 6

Wednesday 6th May
Didn’t want to get out of bed today, but I did and I’ll do it again tomorrow!!

Day 5

Tuesday 5th May
Early morning walk, lunch time stroll followed by an evening stroll to finish off the day. Love where I live

Day 4

Monday 4th May
Day 4 almost failed. Started out with a morning walk, then put my watch on charge only to forget it 😣 Never fear though, husband to the rescue. Watch received before a lunch time run and then a little arvo walk. 😮‍💨

Day 3

Sunday 3rd May
Accountability looks like this 💪🏻 Not perfect, but consistent 👟👟

Day 2

Saturday 2nd May
Morning started with a Parkrun walk with my Aunty!

Day 1 Done Right

Friday 1st May
Day one done with 10,139 steps every + I surpassed my original goal of $250. Time to set another one. Can not thank everyone enough already ❤️🤍

Its begun!!

Friday 1st May
It’s a bit blurry 😬 early morning walks to commence my 9000 steps for the day. This morning was a very gloomy morning and I could have easily stayed in my warm bed. But instead I chose the beautiful crisp morning to clear my thoughts for the day ahead!

Thank you to my Sponsors

$215

Jamie An Deb Johnson

$151.75

Sharon Sheppard

<3

$106.12

Rach + Scott Julius

Proud of you Em!

$106.12

Frank And Kay Moller

$106.12

Jodie Arnold

Go you good thing! You are amazing!

$100

Ken & Sue Mccollum

$80.96

Pattern Catcher

🙏🙏

$54.84

Lee Clarke

Looking good

$54.84

The Donovan’s ☺️❤️

❤️

$54.84

Kirkham’s

Good work Emma and happy birthday ❤️

$54.84

Erin Dawe

I Love You ❤️

$54.84

Simmy

So proud of you! 🩵

$54.84

Mwhit

Proud to support you taking on the Livin Better Challenge. Every step you’re taking is making a difference. MWhit

$54.84

Ant & Family

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the importance of having these conversations with our friends, family and community.

$54.84

Deb Lynch

Awesome work !

$54.84

Stephanie Wilson

What an admirable mission for an amazing cause ♥️ I hope you triple your goal.

$54.84

Kyle Offner

Amazing Emma!

$53.64

Kristy And Beau Mcleod

Your fabulous Em

$53.64

Aunty Tania

Let’s go Shezza ❤️🤍

$50

Marcus Mccollum

You’re awesome, love you

$50

Jane Prichard

Admire your commitment to the cause over many years now Em. Ben’s memory lives on vividly and the work you do here generates much needed awareness of the importance of mental health.

$33.87

Greg Byrne

Well done Emma 😎

$33.87

Katie

I’ll join you for a walk! Xx

$33.87

Allira Julius

Well done Emma, keep pushing!

$28.43

Belinda Julius

Go get em!

$28.43

The Hardings

Amazing amazing Em, so good x

$28.43

Jessica Prichard

So proud of you Em

$28.43

Aunty Shiton

One step at a time 💕

$28.43

Lisa Nicholson

$28.43

Rachel

Good on you Em xx

$28.43

Vanessa Rose

you go girl x

$28.43

Rose Gomez

You’re awesome 💚

$28.43

Missi

You are the GOAT! Xx

$28.43

Nicole Manderson

Go Emma! I have also been touched by suicide and it’s an important cause to support. Good luck in achieving your goal!

$28.43

Rhonda Marshall

Great work Em!

$28.43

Emma Mccollum

$28.43

Ness And Sam Tully

Well done Em, proud of you!

$28.43

Jade Starling

So good Em! x

$25

Sebastian Sims

💛

$23.50

Lukas Buchanan

$23.50

Nic Drury

Bloody awesome 🤩

$23.50

Sally Curran

$23.50

Donna Boresch

$23.50

Lisa Carruthers

Walking walking walking- good on Ya

$23.50

Fiona S

You’re amazing, awesome and bloody damn determined. Loved your updates and keeping it real! Rest and look after you 💕Great work xx

$17.66

Kerrie Mcconnell

$10

Tara Prichard

Yesssss Memmmyyy! You’re an inspiration!