The We Are Mobilise team watched in awe as Nedd Brockmann made history on Monday the 17th of October, crossing the finish line and completing his run across the country. Nedd made a callout on his Instagram to be at Bondi at 5:30pm – to get down and show their support, and the people listened.
Bursty-Nedd Brockmann Instagram Picture: Gregg Porteous
The beach was packed with people, as thousands of Australians invested in the story of Nedd cheered him on, hoping to catch a glimpse as he ran by to cross the finish line. It was an absolutely momentous event that we at Mobilise couldn’t be prouder to be a part of.
Our goal has always been to start conversations for change, to unite the nation in the fight against homelessness. It’s clear to see that Nedd has done just that and more by getting the country talking about his journey, his story and his goal of raising one million dollars for homelessness through We Are Mobilise.
“When I moved to Sydney, I saw a lot of Homelessness and I wanted to make a change. No-one should not have a bed to sleep on in this country, we’ve got everything at our fingertips, it’s something I’d like to change, and I hope that I’ve made some ground on in that aspect”
Nedd Brockman, after completing his run across the country
We can safely say that he’s made a bit more than some ground on that aspect, with the final donation total coming in an unbelievable $2.5 million. Donators like the Melbourne Rebels Rugby Club, Puma & the NSW government all came through with hugely generous donations in the final hours.
The run was capped off with an IG live telethon, hosted by Hamish Blake, where Jimmy Barnes shared a special version of working class man preformed for Nedd. Congratulations poured in from all across the country, including from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the hosts of the today show, Ash Barry and so many more
Bursty-Nedd Brockmann Instagram Picture: Gregg Porteous
“Watching Nedd Brockmann cross the line and achieve his dreams showed to me that anything is possible and that we should never put a limit on what we believe we can do to make a difference in the world.”
Noah Yang, Founder of We Are Mobilise
One thing we always consider at Mobilise is ‘In a country as prosperous as Australia, why does anyone have to sleep on the streets?’ the answer is simple, no-one should have to and when we come to think of who will create this solution we’ve always posed the question, ‘Why Not Us?’
This question and this sentiment is at the very heart of our organisation and is carried out through the actions and mindset of our volunteers. No-one personifies these values better than Nedd Brockmann.
Who should be offering supplies, essentials and kindness to those on the streets – Why not us?
Who should be advocating for those who are experiencing homelessness – Why not us?
Who should be trying to develop solutions for those experiencing homelessness in this country – Why not us?
And so with this in mind, as the greatest ambassador that we ever could have hoped for, Nedd looked at the challenge of running across the country from Perth to Sydney and thought ‘Why not him?’
He absolutely smashed his goals and during his thank-you speech at Bondi he said casually ‘and to Mobilise, here is $1.5 million.’ (Final total ended at $2.5 million)
Nedd may be finished his run, but his story is far from over and after 8 years of volunteer, grassroots efforts, running outreaches and starting conversations for change, Mobilise now finds itself at the starting line of a new chapter for our movement. Now, with the resources and the eyes of the nation on us, we are more determined than ever to change the state of homelessness in the country and make things better for those 1 in 200 Australians that experience it.
Now more than ever the words we live by ‘Why Not Us?’ repeat in our minds and ring true, but they’re now accompanied by another powerful idea, ‘What Would Nedd Do?’ The answer to that question will always be beautifully simple.
So what would Nedd do? Set big, lofty goals to change the world and stop at absolutely nothing to achieve these goals; we feel the exact same.
If you’ve been inspired by the story of Nedd and Mobilise, then you can be a part of the change.
Here are some ways to get involved:
$4 a week donation to pledge your ongoing support of our mission:
https://donorbox.org/support-we-are-mobilise-to-make-a-difference
Learn how to have your own conversations on the street:
https://linktr.ee/wearemobilise
Join us for an outreach via our Mobilise Outreach FB Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/775571525958760
