Former Kinross Wolaroi student Nedd Brockmann has been awarded the title of NSW Young Australian of the Year. Recognized for his dedication to raising awareness and funds for homelessness, Brockmann, an ultramarathon runner now residing in Randwick, was honored during a ceremony held at The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney.
Brockmann’s nomination for the prestigious award was accompanied by three other notable individuals: Jack Brown, co-founder of Talk2MeBro; Ruby Riethmuller, a champion for girls’ wellbeing; and Dr Rand Younes, an advocate for dental health. The announcement was made by Premier Chris Minns, who praised each nominee for their inspiring personal stories and commitment to their causes.
“Their passion and dedication to their work is clear,” Premier Minns stated. “The NSW Government congratulates the 2026 NSW Australian of the Year recipients: NSW Australian of the Year, Dr Alison Thompson OAM; NSW Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty AO; NSW Young Australian of the Year, Nedd Brockmann; and NSW Local Hero, Theresa Mitchell.” The NSW recipients will join others from around the country at the national Australian of the Year Awards ceremony taking place in Canberra on January 25, 2026.
Brockmann’s remarkable journey captured the nation’s attention during his 4,000-kilometre run from Cottesloe Beach in Perth to Bondi Beach in Sydney. Over the course of 40 days, he aimed to break a world record while raising $1 million for the homelessness charity, We Are Mobilise. His daily updates during the grueling challenge painted a vivid picture of the immense physical and mental demands he faced.
He endured severe sleep deprivation, debilitating injuries including tenosynovitis and Achilles tendinitis, and even dealt with infections that resulted in maggots in his toes. His brother, Logan, remarked on Nedd’s determination, stating, “The mental fortitude is phenomenal. He’ll get to Bondi. If he has to crawl, he’ll crawl.”
Ultimately, Brockmann completed the run, although he narrowly missed the 40-day record. His efforts raised an extraordinary $2.5 million for charity and inspired countless Australians along the way. Since then, his profile has soared. He has authored a book titled Showing Up and has become a sought-after speaker, recently returning to his hometown of Orange to address his former classmates during the school’s speech day.
During the event, Brockmann encouraged the audience of 1,200 to embrace challenges, saying, “Make the most of every day and don’t shy away from the hard stuff, because that’s where we grow and become better people.” Despite his rising fame, he insists he remains “still the same old dude.”
Brockmann’s latest endeavor involved running 1,600 kilometres in just 12 days, further demonstrating his commitment to raising funds for homelessness. As he continues his journey, his impact on the community and on national conversations surrounding homelessness remains profound.
