‘My mum got me involved. I’ve only been doing it a couple of years. She’s been doing it much longer,’ says veteran Mark Woodland about his motivation to register for the annual March On challenge.
‘She’s always been super supportive of all military things… going through kids being away, training, deployments. She’s been helping out at the RSLs, Anzac Day services – just very connected. She’s seen the worry, the sacrifices, the sleepless nights while we were away. I think that’s what drives her to get involved every year.’
Mark is ex-military. He served in the artillery and psychology corps from 2002 to 2012 and left as a Corporal. ‘Still hang out with the mates and things, but try and support military whenever we can,’ he says. His younger brother is now in signals, keeping the family connected to Defence.
Since leaving the Australian Defence Force, Mark has built a career in business. ‘I founded two companies. The first one was in education… the second one’s now in healthcare, which is called Kismet.
‘We automate a lot of the admin that sits around people aging, to make sure that you get the care you need instead of the admin that you don’t want,’ he says. ‘We’re veteran friendly and always open to more and more people coming from the military. They’ve got that discipline.’
For Mark, being part of March On is about camaraderie and the opportunity to make a positive difference to the mental health support veterans can access. It’s also the chance to set himself a personal challenge.
‘What I want to do, and probably still have time to organise this year, is I just want to do the walk in one hit in one day. That would bring that competitive drive in… and doing that with a bunch of mates would be fun,’ he says.
He has done other long walks before, including a 100 km Oxfam walk. He and his work colleagues are also planning a Kokoda trip in 2027.
Mark takes part in March On with his family – his mum and brother. ‘It feels good,’ he says of completing the 96-kilometre challenge. ‘We’ll try and raise our goal money and then make it bigger and bigger.’
He reflects on what motivates them:
‘Mum’s seen what it’s like having kids in the military… the deployments, the challenges, the mateship. She’s seen us come home tired, frustrated, or stressed, and she knows how hard it can be on the families too. For her, March On is a way to give back – to support veterans, families, and show that even parents can be part of the solution. It’s about caring, connection and making a real difference.’
Whether you consider setting yourself the challenge of tackling the 96 km in one epic effort, or you do what most who register to be part of March On do and walk or run 96 km throughout the month, every step supports Soldier On’s programs for veterans and their families. Register today.
