Banyandah’s 50th Anniversary
Can you believe it? Banyandah Toastmasters is turning 50!! The longest continuously operating Toastmasters Club in WA is ready to PAARRTYYY. Everyone is invited, you just have to book! Come for the party, stay for the guest speaker, none other than former club member, Australian of the Year and 3rd runner up in TV’s SAS Australia, Dr Craig Challen.
Craig Challen SC OAM is an Australian technical diver, cave explorer, and veterinary surgeon who gained international recognition for his crucial role in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand.
Born in the 1960s, Challen grew up in Perth and later on a farming property in Gidgegannup, Western Australia. Challen's passion for diving began in the 1990s, and he quickly became an expert in technical diving and cave exploration. He has set depth records and explored some of Australia's deepest wrecks. Notable achievements include locating the end of the 6.4 km Cocklebiddy Cave on the Nullarbor Plain in 2008, and setting an Australasian depth record of 245 metres in New Zealand's Pearse Resurgence.
In 2018, Challen and his dive partner Dr. Richard Harris were invited to assist in the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped in Thailand's Tham Luang Cave. Their expertise was crucial in the successful evacuation of all 13 individuals. For his bravery and selflessness during this mission, Challen was awarded the Star of Courage and Medal of the Order of Australia
Following the rescue, Challen and Harris were jointly named 2019 Australians of the Year. Challen has since used his platform to advocate for seizing life's opportunities and fostering a more inclusive society. He co-authored the book "Against All Odds," detailing the Thai cave rescue. (Also available in a Young Readers’ Edition)
A few years later, Craig Challen participated, ranking third, in the 2023 season of SAS Australia, a reality TV show that puts celebrities and notable figures through physical and psychological tests to see how far they can push their limits.
Craig Challen accredits his public speaking skills to his experience with Toastmasters. He spent several years at the Banyandah Toastmasters in Maylands. Challen relates that the skills he gained during his time at Banyandah has helped him confidently speak across a range of public platforms, since becoming joint Australian of the Year.
Challen's extraordinary skills, courage, and commitment to helping others have made him an inspiring figure in Australia and beyond. He truly emulates what it means to be "empowered to speak and inspired to lead". Join us for an unforgettable, inspirational evening and celebration of Banyandah’s milestone anniversary!
How exciting!