Deniliquin endurance swimmer and youth mental health advocate Brenda Norman has raised more than $3000 to support the recovery of Deniliquin High school after a fire, despite not being able to complete her most recent swim.
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She launched into 2026 the only way she knows how, with a goal tocross New Zealand’s Cook Strait - one of the world’s famed ‘Oceans Seven’ swims, and regarded as one of the toughest open‑water crossings on the planet.
In a video posted to Facebook after the attempt, Brenda described the conditions as some of the most difficult she has faced.
“It was pretty tough,” she said.
“A spring tide created strong, unpredictable currents, while winds whipped up 1.5‑metre waves.
“Having to battle those two things all day was actually really difficult.”
After the first hour, Brenda became seasick and struggled to take in the nutrition and hydration needed for such a long swim.
Still, she pushed on for another nine hours.
But within 1km of the finish, her crew made the call to abort for safety reasons.
“Definitely the right call,” she said.
“A little disappointing when you can see it and be there, but that’s what open‑water swimming is all about; you take the day that you get, and you do your best.”
That message is central to Brenda’s fundraising mission.
She said the experience itself reinforces what she hopes young people take from her efforts - when something doesn’t work out, dust yourself off and try again.
Deniliquin High School principal Glen Warren, DHS teacher and long distance swimmer Brenda Norman and DHS P&C president Vince Kelly.
“I’ll definitely have another crack at the Cook Strait,” she said.
“Not exactly sure when, but I will.”
Brenda also expressed her gratitude for the support she has received, both in messages and donations.
Her fundraising goal of $3000 has already been surpassed, reaching $3155 at the time of print.
Funds raised will go directly to the Deniliquin High School P&C to support initiatives that help students recover, reconnect and thrive after the fire.
For more information, or to donate, go to justgiving.com/campaign/channel4change-deniliquinhighschool2026.
