Austin Appelbee flatly refused $5 million from the CEO of Swimming Australia – The 13-year-old boy’s statement left Rob Woodhouse speechless for 30 seconds: “I don’t need the money, I just want my mother to be safe… and please don’t make me a star.” The whole of Australia is shocked!

Australia has fallen in love all over again – and this time it’s with a quiet 13-year-old boy who just turned down $5 million because “I just want my mum to be safe… and please don’t make me a star.”

Austin Appelbee, the teenage hero who swam more than 4 kilometres through powerful rip currents and heavy swell to raise the alarm after his mother Sarah and three younger siblings were swept far out to sea off Hamelin Bay last Sunday, has politely but firmly refused a life-changing financial offer from Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse.

The emotional encounter took place yesterday afternoon in a private hospital room in Perth, where Sarah Appelbee, 42, and her children aged 12, 10 and 7 are still recovering from mild hypothermia and exhaustion after clinging to paddleboards for more than eight hours before being rescued by RAC Rescue helicopter crews.

Woodhouse – a former Olympic swimmer and now head of Swimming Australia – arrived with what many would consider an irresistible gesture: a $5 million trust fund to be established in Austin’s name. The money was intended to cover the family’s future education costs, ongoing medical support, long-term financial security, and – if Austin ever wished – professional swimming coaching and a pathway into elite competition.

Austin listened carefully as Woodhouse explained the offer was made “in recognition of extraordinary courage that saved lives and inspired the entire nation.”

Then the Year 8 student looked up and delivered a response so simple, so selfless, and so mature that it left one of Australia’s most experienced sports administrators speechless for a full thirty seconds.

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

Rob Woodhouse – rarely lost for words during his long career in the spotlight – froze. Witnesses describe the CEO’s expression as one of pure astonishment followed by deep respect. After a long pause he simply nodded and replied: “I understand, Austin. Thank you for your honesty. The offer will remain open if you or your family ever change your mind.”

Sarah Appelbee, still weak but seated beside her son, broke down in tears. She later spoke briefly to reporters outside the hospital:

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

The refusal has touched millions of Australians. Within hours of the story breaking this morning, #AustinAppelbee and #HeroSaysNo were trending No.1 nationwide. Messages of admiration and support have flooded social media:

“13 years old and already has more wisdom and heart than most adults twice his age.” “He saved his whole family, then turned down $5 million because he doesn’t want to be famous. That’s real character.” “In a world obsessed with money and likes, this kid just reminded us what matters most.”

Swimming Australia released a respectful statement:

“Austin’s courage on that Sunday was extraordinary and selfless. The offer was made with the purest intentions – to support him and his family in any way they felt appropriate. 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 gently declined the avalanche of national and international media requests for interviews, asking for privacy while Sarah continues her recovery. Austin’s mother added: “We’re taking every day as a gift now. We just want to heal together and get back to normal life.”

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

Surf Life Saving WA has since used the incident in renewed ocean safety campaigns, urging beachgoers to swim between the red-and-yellow flags, check local hazard ratings, and never paddleboard or swim alone in unfamiliar waters.

In an age of instant celebrity, viral fame, and monetised bravery, a 13-year-old boy from a small Western Australian coastal community has reminded the entire country what true heroism looks like: quiet, selfless, and completely uninterested in the spotlight or the money.

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