The wait is over — Cairns Crocodiles has revealed the eagerly anticipated Pinterest special guest for 2026, and it’s Young Australian of the Year, Nedd Brockmann.
Known for pushing himself to extreme limits in the name of purpose, Brockmann rose to national prominence through extraordinary endurance feats that captured the country’s imagination and raised millions to fight homelessness. He will appear as a headline guest on day one of the three-day festival in May.
Brockmann follows in the footsteps of last year’s Pinterest special guest, four-time Olympic gold medallist and world-record-breaking swimmer Ariarne Titmus, continuing the platform’s tradition of spotlighting Australians who are shaping culture through performance, purpose and authenticity.
“Nedd might be famous for running across Australia, but it’s his relentless grit and optimism that truly stand out,” said Melinda Petrunoff, country manager, Australia & New Zealand at Pinterest.
“From raising nearly $10 million to fight homelessness to being named 2026 Young Australian of the Year, he shows what happens when bold ideas meet action”
Named Young Australian of the Year in 2026, Brockmann’s influence now extends well beyond running.
He is the author of bestselling book Showing Up, with a youth edition Fire Up, the founder of social enterprise Nedd’s Milk, and the creator of Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge. The challenge has seen tens of thousands of participants across more than 20 countries take on their own acts of discomfort, raising millions more for homelessness initiative, We Are Mobilise, and building a global community around purpose, resilience and action.
“At Pinterest, our mission is to turn inspiration into action, and Nedd is living proof of what that looks like,” Petrunoff added. “I’m excited for Cairns Crocs attendees to hear his story and walk away ready to chase their own big goals.”
Brockmann’s appearance forms part of the festival’s broader focus on creativity, culture and human connection, sitting alongside a growing lineup of global speakers across marketing, creativity, film, screen and travel.
Past Pinterest special guests include fellow Australian Olympian and legendary tennis champion Ash Barty AO, entrepreneur and beauty mogul Zoë Foster Blake, and best-selling author and Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt.
Watch past sessions on demand HERE
Cairns Crocodiles Presented by Pinterest returns to the Cairns Convention Centre from 12–14 May 2026, with more than 2,500 attendees expected to descend on Far North Queensland.
