Australian of the Year

Since retiring, Michael (Mick) Brosnan has dedicated himself to restoring dignity, safety and hope to people experiencing hardship, driven by a deep concern about homelessness and growing inequity. 

A foundation member of the Rotary Club of Pambula and co-founder of Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast (SJA), Mick brought hundreds of volunteers together around a simple philosophy: “What can I do? How may I help?” 

His service stretches from the Bega Valley to Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea, building shelters, sanitation and teacher housing and providing crisis accommodation, furniture and practical support. Through SJA, more than 500 people have received over 12,000 nights of safe accommodation. 

Following the devastating 2019–20 bushfires, Mick helped provide household essentials and 85 caravans to affected families. His ‘It’s Up To Us’ campaign has since raised more than $700,000 to create sustainable, dignified crisis and transitional housing for people in need.  

After many years as the SJA Chair, Mick is now an SJA executive member and convener of the housing/homeless sub group.