The University of Wollongong student (pictured) was one of 30 young people from around the globe selected for the Antarctic Youth Ambassador Program, which will be led by British polar explorer Robert Swan.

Ms Fleming has been involved in young leadership programs for many years but the two-week expedition in one of the most remote, inhospitable environments on Earth will be her toughest challenge yet.

However the 20-year-old does face another challenge before she heads off - she has to raise $20,000 for ship costs before November 15.

"I'm one of seven Australians, and the only person south of Sydney to be selected for this program, and so I am really hoping to get some community or business sponsorship," she said.

"For while the program will focus on leadership, teamwork and personal development, it is also about giving back to your local community upon your return.

"So I will be putting together a photographic exhibition which I will tour to locations across the region to promote the importance of preserving unique areas such as Antarctica for future generations."

Environmental issues have always been important to Ms Fleming, who spends a lot of time on her grandparents' farm in Inverell.

As well as her course in international studies, she is a community organiser for The Wilderness Society Sydney and the NSW regional grassroots co-ordinator for the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.

"I've been engaged and passionate about the environment since I was 14," the former Illawarra Christian School (Tongarra) student said. "And I have been working with regional communities helping to develop young leaders for the past four years.

"I'm a strong believer that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they can be the leaders of today."

Ms Fleming is certainly leading by example and said she was honoured and excited to be selected for the Antarctic expedition.

"The only thing I'm a bit wary of is the temperatures, which range from about minus 27 to minus 57 degrees," she said. "I can't cope with a cold breeze, so I don't know how I'm going to cope with that!'

To help Ms Fleming on her way, contact her at Coralie.fleming@wilderness.org.au.