Australian of the Year

Brendan Cullen talks to farmers, footy clubs, schools and community groups across Australia about mental health, resilience and why asking for help is the strongest thing a person can do.  

To get through long days working on drought-afflicted sheep stations around Broken Hill, Brendan used to drink alcohol to cope. In 2015, he realised something wasn't right and found the courage to walk into the local hospital and ask for help.  

Treatment enabled Brendan to pivot his life for the better. Inspired by his brother, he joined the local Broken Hill swim club – a 60 km drive away. His next challenge was to swim the English Channel. 

Today, Brendan serves as ambassador for Lifeline Regional SA & Far West NSW and is a Champion with We've Got Your Back, the Royal Flying Doctor Service's peer-support program. Brendan helps people in remote communities to spot the symptoms of depression and to check in on their mates before things reach crisis point.