Tom Dunn has raised over $100,000 for charity organisations through his extreme adventures across Australia, setting world firsts along the way.
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The former Horsham resident has trekked to the base camp of Mount Everest, kayaked solo down the Murray River and travelled 113 days on a stand-up paddleboard down the Murray Darling basin.
It is because of his 'advocacy through adventure' that Mr Dunn has been nominated for the Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award.
"Through my trips I never set out to win any awards, but to be recognised for an award is pretty humbling," Mr Dunn said.
"There are so many incredible people out there so it's nice to be thought of as an equal to the other nominees."
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Before the COVID-19 pandemic Mr Dunn had planned to break the world record for the longest triathlon to raise awareness for mental health.
The trip involved a 9,000km triathlon in April travelling from the westernmost point in Australia - Steep Point, WA - to the easternmost point - Byron Bay, NSW.
"It was quite frustrating ... I realised the trip wasn't going to happen when the borders closed," Mr Dunn said.
"The border closures made it impossible for me to attempt the trip so it is on hold for the moment."
In 2018 Tom completed his largest journey so far, travelling entirely self-supported from Cape York to Wilsons Prom for the Melbourne Indigenous Transition - he cycled 3,710km, ran 908km, kayaked 135km and swam 18km in just 92 days.
He has also undertaken several trips to raise funds for Deaf Children Australia Rural Outreach program, chosen after seeing his sister struggle to access services from the rural family home in Horsham.
During lockdown Mr Dunn has been combating boredom by planning his next big adventure.
"I have been working on a future trip across Victoria and I am hoping to create a trail that people will be able to follow and utilise," he said.
"I am hoping to scout it out myself sometime soon and if it's not completely ridiculous people can have the opportunity to try it themselves."
Mr Dunn has also been working on an interview series that showcases young Australian adventurers and advocates who have accomplished extraordinary things.
"There are a lot of incredible young Australian adventurers and advocates out there," Mr Dunn said.
"Some people don't get the opportunity to share their story and goals. I wanted to use my own platform and website to celebrate some incredible accomplishments.
"It is something I draw a lot of inspiration from myself. We all need a good news story."
The date for the 2020 Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards ceremony has not yet been confirmed.
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