12th/16th Hunter River Lancers

02/11/2026

Over the weekend we recognised four soldiers who have taken the next step in their leadership journey and accepted the increased responsibility that comes with becoming Junior Non-Commissioned Officers.

Please join us in congratulating:
Trooper Lofts on promotion to Lance Corporal🎖️
Trooper Pepper on promotion to Lance Corporal🎖️
Lance Corporal Hill on promotion to Corporal🎖️
Lance Corporal Valentine on promotion to Corporal 🎖️

Promotion is more than a change of rank. It reflects the trust placed in these soldiers by their peers, subordinates and chain of command. As JNCOs, they will be expected to lead by example, mentor those around them, uphold Defence values, and play a vital role in developing the next generation of soldiers.

Leadership in our unit is earned through commitment, competence, and the willingness to take responsibility for others. These members have demonstrated those qualities and should be proud of this achievement.

31/10/2026

During Exercise Elephant Charge, soldiers from 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers completed Defence Remote Pilot Licence (DRePL) training, developing skills across uncrewed aerial and ground systems.

By integrating UAS, UGVs and the PMV-L Hawkei, our soldiers are building the capability, adaptability and interoperability needed to employ emerging technologies in mounted Cavalry operations. This training strengthens our ability to evolve, integrate new systems and remain ready for future challenges.

30/10/2026

Over the past two weeks, the 12/16 Hunter River Lancers have been developing their driving skills and building the confidence required to operate the PMV-L, Hawkei safely and effectively.

The drivers course brought together personnel from across the 2nd Division - Australian Army, strengthening individual capability and enhancing our collective ability to operate as an integrated team.

Congratulations to all soldiers who completed the course, demonstrating commitment, professionalism and a willingness to learn.

This training is a practical example of our commitment to being combat focused, efficient and brilliant at the basics.

#12/16HRL

28/10/2026

Over the past three weeks, 12/16 Hunter River Lancers have been delivering a PMV-L Commanders Course at Wide Bay Training Area. The course has developed ten confident and competent Cavalry commanders ready to lead their crews and vehicles in demanding operational environments.

The course culminated with mounted live-fire and brought together personnel from across Army including three trainees from 25th / 49th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment, and one from 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.

This training demonstrates the value of working together across units, building capability, strengthening relationships and ensuring our people are ready to operate as part of a cohesive team.

The focus now turns to post-course administration and, importantly, Refit to Fight. Maintaining our vehicles, identifying deficiencies and ensuring the appropriate maintenance work orders are raised for 11th Combat Service Support Battalion - Australian Army, which is essential to sustaining our readiness for the next task.

Division

20/10/2026

12/16 Hunter River Lancers is in the field, delivering a Commanders Course at Wide Bay and a Drivers Course at Greenbank, developing individual skills and building combat ready teams.

These courses are also supporting personnel from across the Brigade and Army, including 25th / 49th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment, 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, 2 Sig Regt and 2nd/14th LHR (QMI) — demonstrating the teamwork, cooperation and shared commitment required to build capability across the 2nd Division - Australian Army and Australian Army.

The weather has been excellent, providing ideal conditions for training and getting after the job!

#12-16HRL

16/10/2026

WE MADE IT FROM DUSK TO DAWN!
After 12 hours on our feet, the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers have completed the challenge.
🏃 Total distance covered: 177km 🏃

What began under the evening sky has finished with a sunrise and an incredible sense of achievement for the team.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared our posts, cheered us on, and followed our journey through the night, thank you.

Your support gave purpose to every kilometre.

Now it’s time for a well deserved break, maybe we should just do a park run next time.

16/10/2026

THE FINAL STRETCH IS HERE!
It's 5:00am and the team is digging deep.
📍 Distance covered: 150 km

These are the toughest hours of the challenge. The excitement of the start is long gone, sunrise is still ahead, and every kilometre is earned.

But thanks to your encouragement and donations, we're still moving forward.
We've come too far to slow down now.
If you'd like to help us finish strong, a donation of any size will make a real difference.

Show your support for those who serve.

16/10/2026

🌙 HALFWAY THROUGH THE CHALLENGE!
Six hours down and the team has officially reached the halfway mark.
📍 Distance covered: 91 km

The chatter is quieter, the legs are feeling heavier, but the determination remains strong.

This is where challenges are won, during the hours when most people are asleep and every step takes a little more effort.

16/10/2026

3 HOURS DOWN, 9 TO GO!
The team from the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers is still moving strong.
📍 Distance covered: 48 km 💰 Funds raised: $4383
The night is settling in, but spirits are high and the kilometres are adding up.
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Every contribution motivates us to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
If you've been following along but haven't had a chance to donate, there's still plenty of time to support the team.

https://braverytrek.com.au/12-16-hunter-river-lancers

16/10/2026

THE CHALLENGE STARTS NOW!
Tonight, members of the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers are taking on the Dusk to Dawn 12 Hour Challenge.
From 7:00pm to 7:00am, our team will be walking through the night, testing our endurance and determination while raising funds for a cause that matters.
Over the next 12 hours, we'll keep you updated every 3 hours with: ✅ Kilometres covered ✅ Funds raised ✅ Photos from the challenge
As we take the steps, we're asking our community to get behind us.

https://braverytrek.com.au/12-16-hunter-river-lancers