BRENDA DID IT!

The Deniliquin community is celebrating one of its true champions today.

Brenda Norman has successfully conquered the North Channel Swim, completing the gruelling crossing in over 10 hours. Battling icy waters, strong currents, and painful encounters with Lion’s Mane Jellyfish, Brenda pushed through with extraordinary resilience.

Despite nursing jellyfish stings, Brenda is doing well and has already begun her recovery.

A Remarkable Journey of Determination

This achievement comes after two previous attempts in 2023 that were cut short due to seasickness and hypothermia. Many would have stopped there—but not Brenda.

Since then, she has faced major physical setbacks, including wrist reconstruction and ongoing challenges with her wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Undeterred, she rebuilt her stroke, revamped her training, and returned stronger than ever.

Even this week, uncertainty loomed when Hurricane Erica threatened to close her swim window. With sheer determination and a narrow opportunity, Brenda seized the chance and completed the crossing just in time.

Swimming With Purpose

Brenda’s motivation has always been bigger than the swim itself. She created Channel4Change in 2018 to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Deniliquin and surrounding areas.

Through this initiative, Brenda partners with the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG)—a volunteer-led charity that runs local campaigns, resources, training, and events to ensure the community is connected, supported, and equipped to look out for one another.

For this swim, Brenda set a clear fundraising goal: to provide more free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training across our community.

A Community Behind Her

Throughout the swim, Brenda’s support crew—including her sister Julie and mum Bev—shared live updates. Excitement spread quickly, with family, friends, swimmers, and the wider Deniliquin community rallying behind her achievement.

Generous donations have already flowed in, and we extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the cause. While Brenda has now reached her personal goal, the fundraising page will remain open through September (Suicide Prevention Month) and October (Mental Health Month).

Every dollar raised will go directly towards MHFA training—helping build a stronger, more resilient community.

👉 Donate here: justgiving.com/campaign/channel4change

For larger or offline donations, please contact us at denimhag@gmail.com.