Determination and grit
Australian Industry Trade College’s new principal isn’t one to shy away from a challenge, heading off last month to PNG for the Kokoda Challenge, writes Megan Masters
As the new principal of the Australian Industry Trade College (AITC), Charmaine Cridland couldn’t think of a better way to set a positive example for students and give back to the community than raising money to help those struggling most in the community.
Not one to shy away from a tough challenge, she set her sights on the notorious Kokoda Track, and along with 11 other trekkers set a goal of raising $80,000 for Winter Shelter, a program organised by a cooperative of the churches of Toowoomba, which continues to be supported by Lifeline Toowoomba, aimed at providing food, shelter and a sympathetic ear to the city’s most vulnerable people.
“I have always wanted to do the Kokoda trek, PNG, as I like to set goals and challenge myself physically and mentally,” Charmaine said before the trek. “I reached out to Matt Boyd of Toowoomba, who I knew had led Kokoda treks before as a medic and as a trek leader.
“He said he was leading The Kokoda Challenge in April 2024, to raise money for the Winter Shelter that assists guests in addressing their life challenges and housing barriers.
“Many people face homelessness in Toowoomba [and] have no options for sleeping warm and safe at night during Toowoomba’s cold winter months.
“The Winter Shelter provides guests with a safe and warm place to stay, comfortable beds, shower and laundry facilities, homecooked meals, conversation and connection.”
Charmaine says AITC is a school founded on the values of the Anzac spirit and she was proud to embody these traditions as she took the helm of the “deliberately different” school that offers pathways to industry for students.
AITC opened its doors in Toowoomba in 2019 and now offers around 100 students in years 10-12 the opportunity to challenge themselves in new ways by getting out of mainstream schooling to achieve a workready education.
Students graduate with both a high school certificate and a qualification in the trade of their choice, along with a workready attitude.
AITC is built on the values of respect, pride, courage, mateship, hard work, safety and honesty, all values Charmaine expected to draw on when she took on the 96km trail in Papua New Guinea known for its rugged terrain, hot and humid days, and intensely cold nights.
The treacherous track was the site of bitter combat between Australian and Japanese soldiers in 1942 and became infamous for its challenging, and at times hostile, conditions.
The trail now hosts the Kokoda Challenge, an opportunity many Australians take to test their skills and determination and remember the sacrifices of Australian soldiers who took on the harsh conditions in even more challenging conditions. Charmaine said the fundraising effort from all members of the team was incredible, and as she prepared to depart for PNG, she was looking forward to joining them for the lifechanging experience. “It was a collective group effort from 12 trekkers, with a goal of raising $80,000,” she said.
“Fundraising efforts included sponsorship, generous donations, Bunnings’ sausage sizzles et cetera, with a special shout out to Matty Acton who independently raised a massive sum of $26,583.
“The group exceeded their target and raised $91,889 at the time of departure.
“These funds will support a case worker for the Winter Shelter program to assist those sleeping rough to gain permanent accommodation and ongoing support.”
Charmaine said she had expected the daunting challenge of days spent battling the jungle on foot followed by sleeping in tents, bathing in rivers and cooking by the fire to provide just as much joy and satisfaction as it did difficulty.
“I am looking forward to the personal physical challenge, while honouring and paying respects to Australian wartime history and walking in the footsteps of heroes,” she said.
“To take time to reflect on the four pillars of Kokoda, which embodies courage, sacrifice, mateship, endurance, and the enduring spirit of those who fought to protect their homeland.
“It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II while pushing myself physically and mentally to complete the arduous journey across the Kokoda Track will be a life changing experience.”
Charmaine expects that by the time she returns from PNG, she will be ready for her new adventure with the AITC and looks forward to working with students to fulfil their potential.