Austin Appelbee Flatly Refuses $5 Million Offer from Swimming Australia CEO – 13-Year-Old Hero’s Heartbreaking Words Leave Rob Woodhouse Speechless: “I Don’t Need the Money, I Just Want My Mother to Be Safe… and Please Don’t Make Me a Star” – Australia Stunned by Teen’s Selfless Stand

In an emotional encounter that has captured the heart of the nation, 13-year-old Austin Appelbee – the heroic teenager who swam 4 kilometres through treacherous ocean currents to save his mother and three younger siblings from being swept out to sea off Hamelin Bay – has publicly refused a $5 million reward offered by Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse

The extraordinary moment occurred during a private meeting yesterday afternoon at a Perth hospital where Austin’s mother Sarah, 42, and his siblings aged 12, 10 and 7 are still recovering from mild hypothermia and exhaustion following their eight-hour ordeal clinging to paddleboards last Sunday.

According to multiple sources present at the meeting, Woodhouse – himself a former Olympic swimmer and now head of the national body – arrived with an official offer: a $5 million trust fund to be established in Austin’s name, intended to cover future education, family support, and potentially launch the boy into a swimming career if he chose.

Austin listened quietly as Woodhouse explained the gesture was meant to honour his “extraordinary courage” and ensure the family would never face financial hardship again.

Then the 13-year-old looked up and spoke words that left the room in stunned silence.

“I don’t need the money,” he said clearly. “I just want my mother to be safe… and please don’t make me a star.”

Rob Woodhouse – a man rarely lost for words in his decades in the public eye – was speechless for a full 30 seconds. Witnesses describe the CEO’s face as frozen, eyes wide, before he quietly nodded and replied: “I understand, Austin. Thank you for your honesty.”

The teenager’s mother Sarah, still weak but seated beside her son, broke down in tears. She later told reporters outside the hospital:

“He’s always been like this – thinking of everyone else before himself. That day in the water he never once thought about himself. He thought about us. And now, even with this incredible offer, he’s still only thinking about our family being okay. I’ve never been more proud to be his mum.”

The refusal has sent shockwaves across Australia. Within hours of the story breaking this morning, #AustinAppelbee and #HeroRefuses5Million were trending nationwide. Messages of admiration and support have flooded social media:

“13 years old and already wiser than most adults. What a kid.” “He saved his family, then turned down $5 million because he just wants his mum safe. That’s real character.” “This is why we call him a hero. Not for money, not for fame – for love.”

Swimming Australia released a brief statement respecting Austin’s wishes:

“We are humbled and inspired by Austin’s courage and selflessness. The offer was made in the spirit of recognition and support for his family. We fully respect his decision and will continue to offer any assistance he or his family may need in the future, without pressure or expectation.”

The Appelbee family has also politely declined multiple national and international media requests for further interviews, asking for privacy while Sarah continues her recovery.

Austin’s swim – against powerful rip currents and heavy swell – lasted more than an hour before he reached shore and alerted a fisherman who raised the alarm. Volunteer marine rescue, police and RAC Rescue helicopter crews located the rest of the family more than eight hours after they were swept away. All were rescued safely, though emotionally and physically drained.

Experts have called Austin’s decision to swim alone “extraordinarily courageous” given the conditions. Surf Life Saving WA has since used the incident in renewed safety campaigns, urging beachgoers to check hazard ratings and never paddleboard or swim alone in unfamiliar waters.

For now, the Appelbee family simply wants to heal together.

Austin’s mother summed it up best: “He didn’t do it for money or fame. He did it because he loves us. That’s all that matters.”

In an age of instant celebrity and viral fame, a 13-year-old boy from Western Australia has reminded Australia what true heroism looks like – quiet, selfless, and completely uninterested in the spotlight.

The nation is in awe. And Austin Appelbee just wants his mum to be safe.