Recently RMC Duntroon hosted the most recent Harrison Memorial Lecture, with guest speaker Dr Craig Challen SC OAM.

As co-founder of Vetwest Animal Hospitals, Craig successfully combined clinical excellence with business innovation, helping grow the organisation into a network of 19 veterinary practices before retiring from the business in 2017.

Beyond his professional achievements, Craig has dedicated more than 25 years to cave diving and underwater exploration. His expeditions have taken him to some of the world's longest, deepest and most challenging cave systems. His passion for exploration continues today, with ongoing projects across New Zealand, China and Europe.

Craig is perhaps best known for his role in one of the most remarkable rescue missions in modern history. In July 2018, he was part of the international diving team that carried out the rescue of 13 members of a junior soccer team trapped deep within Thailand's flooded Tham Luang cave system. For 17 days, the boys and their coach remained stranded more than two kilometres underground before a complex international effort brought them safely home.

In recognition of their courage and contribution to the rescue, Craig and his long-time diving partner, Dr Richard Harris, were jointly awarded Australia's prestigious Star of Courage and named Australians of the Year in 2019.

From building a successful veterinary business to exploring the hidden reaches of the planet and helping lead one of history's most challenging rescue operations, Craig's story is one of leadership, resilience, innovation and service.