MARK Donaldson’s life had been in a downward spiral before he joined the Australian Army in 2002.
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Having lost his father from a sudden heart attack in 1995, Donaldson was just 19 when his mother Bernadette disappeared three years later.
She is presumed murdered, and an investigation into the 1998 disappearance is ongoing.
On Saturday night, the Victoria Cross winner held the crowd at the Border’s inaugural White Ribbon Ball captive as he told of his unequivocal stance on domestic violence, and his firm beliefs on how the issue is best tackled by communities.
Corporal Donaldson believes every one of us has a role to play in creating an example when it comes to the treatment of women.
Not one of us can dodge that responsibility. Whether it be mums and dads, the pillars of our communities, teachers, sporting stars, soldiers, magistrates – Corporal Donaldson is right in saying that every single one of us has some kind of role to play when it comes to stamping out violence against women.
In his words, it’s a change that “needs to be bottom-driven and top led.”
“Whether that’s at home, on the sporting field, on the street, in business, in your day-to-day life, an example needs to be shown ‘this is how we treat women,” he said.
They were inspiring words from a man who has inspired many in a decorated career.
In 2008, while travelling through a valley in central Afghanistan, the combined Afghan, Australian and US convoy Corporal Donaldson was travelling in came under attack from the Taliban.
He deliberately exposed himself to gunfire from the Taliban fighters to distract them and allow his injured comrades to move to cover. He then crossed 80 metres of open ground under heavy fire to get to an Afghan interpreter who was wounded, and carried him to safety before giving him first aid.
In a world where the label of hero is thrown around more often than it should be, Corporal Donaldson is the real deal.
As a man to be admired, Corporal Donaldson has a powerful voice in the conversation about how we can all contribute to the right and proper treatment of women, and the stand everyone of us must take against domestic violence.
