What started as one mother’s mission has grown into a powerful community movement, with the Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre (BRALC) team raising more than $30,000 over the past two years for Laps for Josh.
In 2026 alone, Kaz and the team raised $18,583, exceeding their $5,000 goal by more than $13,500 as part of Laps for Life, a national swimming challenge supporting youth mental health through ReachOut Australia.
Building on their 2025 result, where the team swam 1,002.5 kilometres, ranked first in Australia for distance and raised $11,651, the team has again taken out the top spot nationally for kilometres swum, reinforcing a consistent, year-on-year effort.
Support from across the swimming community has continued to grow, with the Belgravia Masters Swim Team contributing $2,300 through the 2026 Belgravia Masters Marathon Relay Challenge, adding to the momentum behind this year’s result.
Karen, better known as “Kaz”, a Customer Service and Access and Inclusion Coordinator at BRALC, created Laps for Josh after losing her son Josh to suicide in 2018. What began as a personal way to honour his life has grown into an initiative that supports young people and gives others a way to take action.
Kaz has also shared the story of Laps for Josh more broadly, including speaking at International Women’s Day at Hyatt Brisbane, helping raise awareness of the initiative and its impact.
“I’m honestly blown away by the support this year and how it continues to grow,” Kaz said.
“Watching everyone show up, commit and back each other has meant everything. It’s not just about the kilometres we swim or the money we raise, it’s about what it means to be there for each other.”
Each year, the initiative brings people into the venue not just to swim, but to take part in something that matters. Early morning laps, group sessions and shared goals have become part of a routine that creates consistency, purpose and support.
Laps for Josh highlights the role local venues can play beyond recreation. Creating a space where people feel supported, connected and encouraged to take part in something bigger than themselves.
To learn more about Laps for Josh or get involved, visit the Laps for Josh fundraising page or visit the Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre website.
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