By Romy Stephens
As someone who grew up wanting to excel at everything, it could almost be said that Benji Brundin was destined to become a Guinness World Record holder.
But digging a bit deeper into Benji’s life reveals a path to greatness that was far from easy.
The former Monbulk Hawks footballer recently penned a book about his journey – from battling poverty and losing everything, to becoming the first person to cross all ten Australian deserts solo and unsupported on a motorbike.
In Hunting Fear, he discusses hitting rock bottom before traversing some of the country’s wildest terrain.
Benji grew up in the desert region of Pilbara in Western Australia and his mother kicked his father out when he was only five-years-old.
In 1995, Benji’s mother bought the Monbulk Animal Farm, with her partner at the time, so Benji, along with his two siblings, moved to the hills.
Prior to Benji’s mother passing away at age 19 he had family issues, but things became extremely tough when he decided to take on guardianship of his younger brother.
It was during this time the Monbulk Football Club took Benji and his brother under their wing.
“When I was playing there was always someone at the club making sure my brother was ok,” Benji said.
“There really was a sense of community during that time of my life.
“That was the reason I chose to stay in Monbulk and raise my brother, because I knew it was a safe family-friendly environment to raise a child.”
Over the years, Benji managed to get on track and find himself a regular life until things took a turn for the worst in 2016.
Within the space of a few months, he lost his job and promising career within the police force, his marriage broke down and with it went the family house and dog, then his father died.
But never one to give up, Benji decided it was time to completely change his life.
“When I was younger I wanted to be a special forces soldier, I wanted to be the best of the best,” he said.
“I always wanted to live an adventurous life yet I conformed to the rules of society.”
“I followed the rules and it still ended in tears. Well I thought stuff it, I’m just going to go for it.”
Aged 34, Benji took off and travelled across the country for almost 18 months with his van and motorbike – despite only having less than six months riding experience.
“I grew confidence the further I went out and the more I did,” Benji said.
“When I came back to Melbourne everything was back to normal and I wasn’t ready.
“I thought I still had more to prove I still had something to give.”
And so the idea to break a world record was born.
Benji planned a route that would take him across all ten major Australian deserts. He then completed the 7000 kilometre trek over 30 days last year.
“In those 30 days I lost close to 10kgs. I was all by myself out there and I just had a small 250CC dirt bike,” he said.
“It was really done on a shoestring budget so there was no sponsorship or big money spent.”
Benji also partnered with Black Dog Institute to raise money and spread awareness for mental health.
Since his journey, Benji has found a new outlook on life.
“I just cannot go back to my old life, too much has changed inside me,” he said.
“Now if I want to do something I’ll do it.
“Any of that negative self talk is now not even part of my vocabulary. If I want to do something I’ll just find a way.”
Today, Benji is passionate about sharing his message of self-belief with schools and workplaces.
“I want to inspire people, particularly young people, to live life with the throttle wide open,” he said.
“On the other side of gut-crippling fear lies freedom, and when you face those fears, the greatest adventures await you.”
Hunting Fear is now available for purchase online. To find out more, visit www.daring2venture.com.au.
