While most of Palmerston in the Northern Territory is still asleep, 69‑year‑old Gary Browder has been slipping into the pool at 5am at SWELL Palmerston with one dream on his mind: completing 100 laps in a single morning.
This challenge is deeply personal for Gary, who lost his right arm to bone cancer in 2021 and his shoulder to complications in 2025. It’s also a milestone he has never reached before – his personal best is 80 – and he’s determined to achieve it, proving nothing can hold him back, not age nor ability.
“I want others to know there is hope for people like me and to not let things like physical disability hold you down,” he shared.
This 100‑lap quest is his way of showing support for Dolly’s Dream, a charity working to prevent bullying and youth suicide. The cause was founded by Kate and Tick Everett in memory of their daughter Dolly, who are also committed to creating kinder, safer communities for young people.
Gary has even tattooed the name of the cause on his chest, in a display of solidarity:
“I’ve backed Dolly’s Dream because I believe no family should face what the Everetts endured. I want to prove anything is possible,” Gary continued.
SWELL Palmerston Venue Manager Ashley Stephens explained that Gary empowers the whole venue.
“Gary never ceases to amaze us all, he’s an incredible man who has achieved so much. He is here every morning at the crack of dawn, swimming lap after lap of backstroke. I think of him as my boss, because he likes to tell me what to do when he gets a chance!”
Pictured in header, left to right: Fern, Gary and Charlotte at SWELL Palmerston.
She said that Gary truly proves that disability does not define ability and at SWELL, the team welcome all, no matter their age, ability or circumstance.”
With the support of more than 16 sponsors behind him and hundreds already raised, Gary is ready to take on his biggest challenge yet at 5.30am on Tuesday 10 February, showcasing that resilience and compassion go a long way to drive change for good.
Support Gary’s 100‑Lap challenge for Dolly’s Dream here.
Want to learn more about SWELL Palmerston? See here.
