Four months ago I wrote something in the notes app on my phone that is now about to become very real.
On the 4th of November at 3:55pm, I was sitting at my kitchen table having a cuppa when I wrote:
“The Big Wheel – Charity – Mental Health – Raise $200,000.”
Underneath that I wrote one more line:
“If Ned Brockman can run 4,000 kilometres across Australia, surely I can wheel 400.”
And just like that, The Big Wheel was born.
From June 27th to July 4th 2026, I will wheel 400 kilometres across regional NSW in my everyday wheelchair, travelling from Corowa to Yass over eight days, averaging just over 50 kilometres a day.
I’ll be rolling through towns including Howlong, Albury, Gerogery, Culcairn, Henty, Yerong Creek, The Rock, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga, Junee, Illabo, Bethungra, Cootamundra, Wallendbeen, Harden, Binalong and into Yass.
This challenge isn’t just about the kilometres.
It’s about raising $200,000 for rural mental health, supporting two incredible organisations:
Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell.
Mental health affects every single one of us. In rural communities we are known for being resilient and getting on with the job, but behind many strong people are struggles that often go unseen.
Over the years I have been incredibly fortunate to have people support me through some tough times in my life, and The Big Wheel is my way of giving something back.
Ironically, only a few weeks after writing this idea in my notes app, I was at my disabled world water skiing championships and managed to bust both of my feet ,which definitely wasn’t part of the training plan, this is not why im sitting down , ive been in a wheelchair for just over 12 years now and am paralysed down my right hand side.
But the wheel is still turning.
Every kilometre of this journey is about raising awareness, starting conversations, and supporting people doing it tough in rural Australia.
You can support The Big Wheel by donating, sharing the story, or coming along to cheer during the journey.
We’ll also be celebrating the finish with a community shindig at the Yass Racecourse on July 4th when the wheel finally rolls in.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
The Big Wheel – Push for Purpose.
Every kilometre matters.