Craig Cygler - Kokoda

Hi my name is Craig Cygler and I am excited to be a part of this year ‘s Cairns Corporate Challenge tackling the Kokoda Trail for suicide prevention. The Kokoda story has always been an historic event that has truly fascinated me. My grandfather fought in WWII, so paying my respects to the people that have fallen and fought for our country, has been very important to me. In 2011, I was lucky enough to go to Gallipoli which was an experience I will remember forever. When the chance came up to do the Kokoda Trail late last year I thought what a great way to pay my respects closer to home.

Like most men in their late 30’s, suicide has taken a few mates from me.  I will always feel like I could have done something more. Raising the awareness of suicide and recognizing the signs for early intervention is what will be empowering me up those hills over the 11 days in August & September this year.  Suicide is a very serious problem which is triggered by a very serious illness.  This illness should never be downplayed or ridiculed and no matter how storng the person is no one can beat this illness on their own.  My goal is to raise as much money as possible for Declan Crouch Foundation - www.kochfoundation.org.au  which is a really great cause and is doing wonderful things to promote awareness about suicide.

On a personal note, I am a Cairns local through and through. I went to Cairns West primary school and St Augustine’s for high school finishing off my senior studies at St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon.  I have been involved in the local rugby league community from a junior level playing for Cairns Brothers and later the Cairns Cyclones in the state league. I am married with 3 children and think I will be setting a great example for my older two children who are in their early teens and were deeply moved by Declan’s story. I was hoping to do the trek with my wife but with a 1 year old at home and hopefully another little one on the way soon, it just wasn’t possible.

I am the managing director of NQ Petro, a local business that services and installs petroleum equipment throughout Queensland and more recently the Northern Territory and Northern New South Wales. I am a workaholic that enjoys being busy and challenging myself and getting the most out of my day. To stay fit I enjoy going to Sportsworld gym every weekday with a bunch of old footy mates. I am currently in the process of organizing a few family fun fundraising days to smash our $50,000 target out of the water. Please support me and my quest to make suicide a thing of the past.