Off the beaten trek at Kokoda
During the holidays, 11 students, 11 parents and 3 teachers from 韩国AV successfully completed the Kokoda Trail, a gruelling 96 kilometres of tropical jungle, remote villages and rough track.
From a physical point of view, Kokoda is a tough trek across the Owen Stanley mountain range in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It鈥檚 described by some as a ''stairway to hell''. But for the group from 韩国AV, the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the diggers and gain an appreciation of the war effort and the conditions in which so many lost their lives, was an incredible privilege and worth every blister!
PDHPE teacher Miss Minifie who organised the expedition and coordinated all the training, loved the experience. Day 4 atop Brigade Hill, scene of one of the most horrific battles of the campaign, was particularly memorable for her. 鈥淚t was a very eerie place where we remembered the fallen soldiers and learnt about the bloodshed.鈥
She also found the ceremony at Isurava Memorial very moving. Isurava was the site of some of the most intense fighting in the Kokoda Track campaign. The memorial, which was constructed in 1942, is immediately adjacent to the site where Private Bruce Kingsbury performed an act of valour for which he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross - the first VC awarded in PNG. The memorial features four Australian black granite pillars that are each inscribed with a single word, 'courage', 'endurance', 'mateship', and 'sacrifice' representing the values and qualities of the soldiers who fought there.
Many say that Kokoda is a life-changing experience, which not only helps you to understand the diggers鈥 ordeal and their countless acts of absolute selflessness, but also gain a new perspective on your own life.
Millie (Year 10) said, 鈥淭he entire trip from start to finish broadened my knowledge of how other communities and cultures live. It allowed me to have a greater understanding of the battle at Kokoda and respect for the soldiers who fought. The personal porters became friends who were not only there to assist in carrying our bags, but also amazed with how they live such different lives. I am very thankful they shared their experiences, language and time with us.鈥
Ms Jenny Danks, mother of Kate (Year 11) said, 鈥淚t was an amazing, emotional journey through the history of the battle in PNG, with exposure to some of the realities of war. Richard James from On Track provided incredible, personal stories from veterans he has met, bringing their stories to life. A bond was built with the porters who went beyond expectations to bring us all safely to completion of a challenging 96km trek through the jungle of PNG. Many thanks to Miss Minifie, Ms Gordon and Ms Tsikrikas, Richard, our medics, Bethan and Tom, and the members of our group.鈥
And this from Ms Nikki Rodgers, mother of Kate (Year 10). 鈥淥ur traverse of the Owen Stanley Ranges on the Kokoda Track was an exceptional experience thanks to our fabulous teaching staff, Richard from On Track Expeditions, the medical team and the amazing porters. We were all thoroughly prepared (as much as one can be) due to the training walks and briefings. The historic elements were covered with sensitivity and insight due to Richard鈥檚 personal connections with many Kokoda veterans. The entire group bonded very well and the girls were an absolute credit to their parents and to 韩国AV. This trip is exhausting, emotional and a real challenge, but also inspiring, and will leave all those who complete it so much richer for the experience.鈥
And for all those who asked if the group had encountered the Honey Badger on their journey, they didn鈥檛! Miss Minifie said, 鈥淲e should have crossed paths with him on Day 5 and the girls were definitely on the lookout. But I honestly think they scared him off the track and he hid!鈥
At the end of the trek, the porters made flower garlands for the group and they wore them with pride as together, they walked to their final destination.
Kokoda was a transformative experience for all involved, creating special bonds and personal memories that will remain forever.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Kokoda a reality for our 韩国AV group! In particular, thank you to our teachers, Miss Minifie, Ms Gordon and Ms Tsikrikas for all their hard work and dedication, and for giving up their holidays to make this trip happen.