Mowerman tops $2 million in donations to combat child abuse and support survivors

PEOPLE across the Ballina and Byron shire have rallied behind The Mowerman Claude Harvey, during the latest leg of his journey, helping raise vital funds for children impacted by sexual abuse.

The 80-year-old spent the week outside of shops and grocery stores in the region with his lawn mower Moyra.

His efforts have seen him cover more than 25,000 kilometres after 15 years on the road.

The Gold Coast resident has raised more than $2 million for Bravehearts, which works to prevent child sexual abuse and support survivors.

Harvey dedicates four to seven months of each year to his travels, often setting out alone as he makes his way along highways, footpaths and remote roads across Australia.

The lawn mower helps attract attention for donations and sparks conversations around supporting young abuse victims.

It all started after learning that two young girls known to him were victims of sexual abuse at just three and four years old.

“It was shocking to hear at the time and it’s basically why I’ve been on the road for the last 15 years,” Harvey said.

“It was my way of doing something about it, most of this I do alone and very proud of what I’ve been able to achieve.”

Harvey has travelled across every state and territory, including trips to Tasmania, which he describes as one of the most welcoming parts of his journey.

Along the way, he has met world champion surfer Kelly Slater and numerous political leaders, experiences he describes as highlights of his journey.

One of his most memorable milestones came in 2016, when he crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of a major walk that culminated in a reception at Martin Place.

In recognition of his dedication, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019 and named Queensland Senior Australian of the Year in 2023.

Despite the physical demands of his journeys, He said the motivation remains the same: raising awareness, starting conversations, and helping protect children from harm “One foot in front of the other, you just keep going and doing as much for the kids as you can,” he said.

Donations can be made at fundraise.bravehearts.org.au/claudethemowermanharvey