From Forbes Electrician to National Honour: Nedd Brockmann’s Run to End Homelessness
SYDNEY, 25 January 2026 – Named the 2026 Young Australian of the Year, Nedd Brockmann’s journey from a tradie in regional New South Wales to a national advocate began with a simple, powerful observation: the people sleeping rough on his weekly commute. Now, the 26-year-old’s extraordinary feats of endurance have mobilised thousands and raised millions, all focused on a single, deeply personal goal – ending homelessness in Australia.
The Spark: Eddy Avenue and a Call to Action
Nedd Brockmann’s concern was ignited during his time as a young electrician travelling from Forbes to Sydney for TAFE. The sight of people experiencing homelessness on Eddy Avenue near Central Station left a lasting mark. “I used to just think homelessness was those people sitting on the street,” Brockmann recalls. “And it’s just not. That’s the 5%. 95% of homelessness is those we don’t see.” This understanding of the issue’s hidden complexity fuelled his determination to prove it was a solvable problem.
The Fundraising Journey: Marathons, Cross-Country Runs and Millions Raised
Brockmann’s commitment translated into staggering physical challenges. In 2020, while working full-time, he ran 50 marathons in 50 days, raising approximately $93,000. Not content to stop, he dreamt up an even larger goal: to run across Australia. In 2022, he set off from Cottesloe Beach in Western Australia, aiming to break the crossing record. Despite injuries and extreme weather, he reached Bondi Beach 46 days later. While the record eluded him, the fundraiser shattered all expectations, bringing in $2.6 million for homelessness charities – far surpassing his $1 million target.
Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge: Mobilising a Nation
Building on this momentum, Brockmann launched “Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge,” a 10-day initiative that invites Australians to set their own physical or personal challenges to raise funds. “Of all the things I’ve done, I would absolutely say the Uncomfortable Challenge I’ve set up for everyone else is 20 times cooler than any run event I’ve ever done,” he said. The programme has already seen 20,000 people participate, creating a grassroots movement of compassion and action.
Key Facts & Figures
| Initiative | Result |
|---|---|
| 50 Marathons in 50 Days (2020) | Raised ~$93,000 |
| Run Across Australia (2022) | 46-day journey, raised $2.6 million from 37,000 donors |
| Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge | 20,000 participants to date |
| Core Belief | “It feels 1,000 times better to give than take.” |
A Philosophy Built on Compassion
For Brockmann, the effort is rooted in a fundamental belief about human dignity and community. “No one chooses to be homeless and no one deserves to be either,” he states. “It’s actually like deeply rooted in me to make sure this ends.” He credits the generosity of everyday Australians for the success of his campaigns, seeing it as a testament to the nation’s collective heart. His message as Young Australian of the Year is clear: action, however small, trumps inaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far did Nedd Brockmann run across Australia?
Brockmann ran approximately 3,800 kilometres from Cottesloe Beach in Western Australia to Bondi Beach in Sydney in 2022. The journey took him 46 days.
What is Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge?
It is a 10-day fundraising challenge created by Brockmann where participants set a personal goal—like running a certain distance, giving up a luxury, or learning a new skill—to raise money for organisations tackling homelessness. It is designed to be accessible and meaningful for anyone.
Why is homelessness a key issue for him?
His awareness was raised by regularly witnessing people sleeping rough on Sydney’s Eddy Avenue during his younger years. He has since educated himself on the vast, often “hidden” nature of the crisis, which includes people in temporary, unsafe, or overcrowded housing.