CORPORAL Hope Graham will join Lieutenant Mark Hudson as a mentor on this year’s Kokoda Youth leadership challenge.
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Corporal Graham is a full-time clerk and part-time fitness instructor at the Singleton School of Infantry and was selected based on her hard work ethic and exceptional level of fitness.
Established by the RSL & Services Clubs Association in 2004, the challenge is designed to stretch trekkers’ physical and mental boundaries, develop their leadership skills and understand more of our military history.
Every year Singleton Diggers affords this life-changing opportunity to one candidate but this year thanks to independent ATM provider, Cashcard, they are sending two.
Cashcard’s Martin Morris, head of relationship management, said they were long-time supporters of the RSL and annually provided a sponsorship that allowed one of the nominating clubs to send a second person on the trek.
He was on a hand to congratulate Corporal Graham at the Singleton Diggers Club on Tuesday morning along with the Head of the Singleton School of Infantry Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Constable and Singleton Diggers general manager Gerard McMillan.
Mr McMillan said the club decided to focus on sending some young leaders this year, with experience in the military on the trek so they can interact with the younger trekkers.
“It will be great for the younger ones to get an insight into what it is like to be a soldier today and learn more about our military history,” he said.
“They will also have the mental toughness to help the kids deal with the harsh conditions on the trek.”
Lt Col. Marcus Constable said Corporal Graham was the obvious choice as developing strong female role models within the military would go a long way toward establishing gender equality in the armed forces.
“Although I have not convinced her to become an infantry officer yet,” he laughed.
As for Corporal Graham she is grateful for the unexpected opportunity and has no pre-conceived notions of what to expect.
“I don’t have any expectations, actually I try not to carry them into any situation then you can’t fail,” she explained.
“I just take a situation for what it is.
“We will be walking for around 2-3 hours a day then getting the opportunity to experience village life in between.”
She begins the 10-day trek through the rugged terrain on the infamous Kokoda track on September 20 after flying into Port Morseby the day before.