Director Jack Brown Named Finalist for 2026 Young Australian of the Year

Talk2MeBro co-founder and Director, Jack Brown, has been named as a finalist for the 2026 Young Australian of the Year (NSW), recognising his tireless work in mental health advocacy and suicide prevention.

Brown, 30, is one of four finalists in the Young Australian of the Year category for NSW, announced recently by the National Australia Day Council. The NSW award recipients will be announced on Monday, 10 November 2025, at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Following the tragic loss of a family member to suicide, Brown co-founded Talk2MeBro in 2018. What began as a safe space on a beach has grown into a statewide organisation with over 150 volunteers facilitating more than 180 free community events across NSW each year, impacting over 105,000 lives.

"I'm incredibly humbled to be named a finalist for Young Australian of the Year," said Brown.

"But more than anything, I see this recognition as a reflection of the entire Talk2MeBro community – the team, the volunteers, and every single person who's shown up to a catchup or workshop. It's not about me, it's about what we've built together.”

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Brown credited the community and team that has supported Talk2MeBro's remarkable growth, and honoured those lost to suicide, including the family member whose loss inspired the organisation’s founding.

"Thank you to Kristie, who created the Talk2MeBro hashtag and message that started it all, my Co-Director Luke, our executive team and our amazing group of over 150 crew and Custodians. You are the soul of this work.”

"I know Matt would be proud of what's been built in his honour, as well as the others we have lost to suicide.”

I see this recognition as a reflection of the entire Talk2MeBro community...It's not about me, it's about what we've built together.

Brown stands alongside fellow NSW finalists Nedd Brockmann (ultramarathon runner for homelessness), Ruby Riethmuller (girls wellbeing champion), and Dr Rand Younes (dental health advocate) in the Young Australian of the Year category.

National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO said the NSW nominees are inspirational.

"The finalists remind us we are all capable of so much, whether it's a simple act of care which creates a movement, a moment spent with someone in need that brings about change for many,” Fraser said.