THE PARTNERSHIP
"We've teamed up with Aiden Grimes who's just led over 120 Kokoda Treks. Aiden was introduced to me by my old boss at the Soldier Recovery Centre who now treks with him. Aiden immediately stood out to me, his ferocious tenacity, energy and will to motivate and bring you along on his journey is contagious. A true servant leader in the philanthropical sector , Aiden's passionate about wellness & mental health, the reason his invited to lead charity fundraisers across the globe. Hence our choice to partner with Aiden & Our Spirit Adventures."
Maritime Warrior Founder, Grant Monaghan
Aidan remains the only Kokoda operator to have a 100% success rate. Through historical benchmarks, extreme corporate events and personal development initiatives, he promotes a way of thinking that removes limitations and unearths a basic instinct inspired by the passion and spirit he believes is inherent in all Australians.
A passionate philanthropist and war historian with an unsurpassed reputation for his encyclopaedic knowledge of Kokoda and other battlesites, Aidan has been recognised publicly by Stan Bisset 2/14thBattalion, Keith Norrish 2/16th Battalion, Greg Ivey, PIB Battalion in support of this.
Aidan inspires participants as they encounter the mental and physical challenges on the treks. Thelocal Papuan’s have honoured Aidan with the nickname “Uda Baroma” - meaning wild boar as a sign of respect for the incredible strength and leadership he has demonstrated over the past 24 years crossing the Kokoda Track and other military significant tracks.
A passionate philanthropist and war historian with an unsurpassed reputation for his encyclopaedic knowledge of Kokoda and other battlesites, Aidan has been recognised publicly by Stan Bisset 2/14thBattalion, Keith Norrish 2/16th Battalion, Greg Ivey, PIB Battalion in support of this.
Aidan inspires participants as they encounter the mental and physical challenges on the treks. Thelocal Papuan’s have honoured Aidan with the nickname “Uda Baroma” - meaning wild boar as a sign of respect for the incredible strength and leadership he has demonstrated over the past 24 years crossing the Kokoda Track and other military significant tracks.
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Aidan has spent nearly 24 years studying primitive tribal culture in PNG and has unearthed the secrets to these tribes survival through the development of their culture. It is this culture that determines the successful lifespan of the tribe. Aidan, uses this vast understanding, along with sports science and military understanding to be able to offer high performance initiatives.
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Aidan is a man of integrity with a strong belief that his actions will always speak louder than words. Over the past 23 years, Aidan’s contribution to various charities exceeds $3.5 million dollars. Aidan has achieved and celebrated a range of personal accolades. In 2000 Aidan was named ‘NSW Community Father of the Year’, while developing and managing the Vodafone Extreme CorporateChallenge, which raised over $1 million dollars for the “Life's a Ball” youth suicide prevention program.
He has also been recognized with the RSL National Anzac Award 2012 with the following citation
Our Spirit directed by Aidan, continues to develop, introduce and support Medical, Educational and Sporting initiatives that continue to foster relationships with many remote communities around the world.
Aidan has over 30 years corporate wellbeing and team building experience as well as successfully coaching sports at various International and State levels He has worked with many large Corporations including Microsoft, Computer Associates, Ericsson, Intel ,Apple, Nine MSN and Vodafone to name a few.
- “exceptional service to the Australian Community demonstrating compassion, endurance and dedication to the Kokoda campaign and other community services”
- In April 2019 Aidan received the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal (QDJM), presented by the Governor General for “services to Kokoda and PNG in general”.
Our Spirit directed by Aidan, continues to develop, introduce and support Medical, Educational and Sporting initiatives that continue to foster relationships with many remote communities around the world.
Aidan has over 30 years corporate wellbeing and team building experience as well as successfully coaching sports at various International and State levels He has worked with many large Corporations including Microsoft, Computer Associates, Ericsson, Intel ,Apple, Nine MSN and Vodafone to name a few.
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He has worked with Educational institutions, Monash, Federation Universities. He has also worked extensively with Youth at risk, both here in Australia with the NSW Police. NT Police, and NSW and NT Police Legacy, overseas with various reputable agencies including the British SAS and ADF.. he has or is working with the following sports organisations, the Brisbane Broncos, Australian Cricket, Hawthorn AFL, AIS Olympic Kayak team, QLD Cycling.
He has a life long passion for developing success factors with particular interest in team culture, Leadership, performance and sports psychology, wellbeing and extreme events. Aidan is a tertiary qualified sports scientist majoring in coaching psychology, with postgraduate studies in nutrition and is currently completing a Phd . |
Aidan continues to donate his “spare” time to further the cause of youth development offering hisservices as a highly sought after public speaker to schools and Corporates in QLD and interstate continually delivering messages of wisdom to support individuals reaching their true potential.
Aidan has developed many Leadership initiative and courses for many participants. Most recently, Aidan was voted in (by the majority of Kokoda trek operators) as the Chairman of the Kokoda Ethics Committee with the purpose of setting transparent and accountable standards and practices so that the “sacred” Legacy of Kokoda can be protected for all generations, with a direct report to the Federal Government.
In 2015 Aidan was also the founder of the Kokoda Operators Association. He is also an honorary member of the 2/14th, 2/16th, , 2/33rd, Australian Commando Association and PIB Battalion Associations respectively, acknowledgement that underpins his deepest respect for the Australian Military whom provide us with the freedom and independence we enjoy as a nation today.
Aidan is an accomplished Coach and through his unique understanding of history has helped many change their perception of the past, equip them to live in the present, empowering them to design the future they wish to have. He is currently working and presenting closely with the “soldier recovery centres” in Brisbane, Darwin and Adelaide and uses the “legacy” of Kokoda to help wounded and injured Diggers re discover their value.
He has a keen interest in what makes the best get better. Clients who work with Aidan are those that want to constantly improve, get the best from their people and expand the range of possibilities. His passionate, engaging and energetic focus empowers the people he works with to become the type of leaders they want to be, creating sustainable leadership for teams and organisations.
Aidan has developed many Leadership initiative and courses for many participants. Most recently, Aidan was voted in (by the majority of Kokoda trek operators) as the Chairman of the Kokoda Ethics Committee with the purpose of setting transparent and accountable standards and practices so that the “sacred” Legacy of Kokoda can be protected for all generations, with a direct report to the Federal Government.
In 2015 Aidan was also the founder of the Kokoda Operators Association. He is also an honorary member of the 2/14th, 2/16th, , 2/33rd, Australian Commando Association and PIB Battalion Associations respectively, acknowledgement that underpins his deepest respect for the Australian Military whom provide us with the freedom and independence we enjoy as a nation today.
Aidan is an accomplished Coach and through his unique understanding of history has helped many change their perception of the past, equip them to live in the present, empowering them to design the future they wish to have. He is currently working and presenting closely with the “soldier recovery centres” in Brisbane, Darwin and Adelaide and uses the “legacy” of Kokoda to help wounded and injured Diggers re discover their value.
He has a keen interest in what makes the best get better. Clients who work with Aidan are those that want to constantly improve, get the best from their people and expand the range of possibilities. His passionate, engaging and energetic focus empowers the people he works with to become the type of leaders they want to be, creating sustainable leadership for teams and organisations.