our preparation

Click on 'Our Kokoda Trek' to see stories  and photos of our great adventure.

April 9th

It was a hive of activity at Dave Bennetts' shed last night.  Food was distributed, packs checked and weighed, heads shaved, stories told and Mal Vogan cooked up a great BBQ.  Bruce thanked everybody for their support particularly the sponsors who were in attendance - Alan and his team from Toyota Material Handling, Ed & Jackie Lauder of Lauders IGA and Cheryl Hammond from Hammonds Hardware.  The major raffle was also drawn - proze winners will be notified shortly.

All is now in readiness - with the trekkers being excited and nervous.

April 7th

Maxine Harrison has sourced some medical supplies for us to give to the Kokoda Hospital.  We would like to thank Tumbarumba Pharmacy, Smith & Nephews, Tyco, Pharm-a-Care and Livingstone Health for their support. 

April 6th - Emails of Best Wishes

From Stan Bisset (Capt Stan Bisset MC OAM mid (Rtd) 2/14th Bn Veteran)

"I would like to assure you all that although the track may be a little tough the journey will be well worthwhile.  It will be a life changing experience.  My best wishes go with you all."

From Trevor Pryor (former principal of Tumbarumba Public and son of 2/14th Bn Veteran Tom Pryor)

"Unfortunately I haven’t had the chance to talk with you before your venture as I did with the previous group however, through the website, I have kept up with your progress. You have been given a wonderful opportunity and I doubt that you can imagine the feelings of accomplishment you will experience around April 24^th.

It is great to look through the names and to see the (grown up) faces that I know. There are others I don’t know but I know of. Again, this challenge has attracted a group of wonderful people and I hope I am able to get to Tumba later in the year and listen to your stories.

As I mentioned to the previous group, you are about to follow in the footsteps of the men I have long regarded as my heroes. I’ve no doubt that, by the end of the trek, you will understand more clearly the relevance of the words on the blocks at Isurava. I also know that you will return changed people and that your experience will help equip you to become community leaders of the future.

In the last few days I have spoken to 3 veterans of the 2/14^th Battalion and they are thrilled when I tell them that not only are you physically challenging yourselves but that you are also honouring their efforts of some 67 years ago. Be assured, they will be thinking of you.

On ANZAC Day I will be marching proudly in Brisbane but part of my thoughts will be at Bomana and my pride will be even greater.

All the best and look after each other."

April 5th

The last group training walk.  Congratulations to Lachlan on attending every walk (all 28 of them) since school returned in late January.

April 4th

Another dark start.

April 1st

The last visit to the Mt Garland Wildside.  Scott Landels from MICEEP was an interested participant.

March 31st

The group was put through a Resuscitation course.  They were presented with their certificates at the last parent information night.  Well done to everyone.  Many thanks to Scott Landels from MICEEP for his support of this course.

March 29th

Another visit to the rocks on Tumba Hill.

March 28th

The boys found a friend.

March 27th

A very successful bowls night was held at the Tumbarumba Bowling Club.

March 26th

Bede Tongs visited Tumbarumba High School today to speak to the group.  He spoke of his experiences during the Kokoda campaign and of his pleasure at seeing the youth of today undertaking the challenge of walking the Kokoda Track.  Bede's son Gary recited some of Bede's poems.  Local veterans Kelly Wood (PNG - WWII) and Barry Houting (Vietnam) also came to listen to Bede.  Bede presented two books on the campaign to the school library.  Simon Brunsdon thanked Bede and Gary on behalf of the group.

Members of the Tongs' group with Bede.

Meg Currey accepting Bede's donation to the school library.

March 25th

 A little rain was greeted with enthusiasm.

March 24th

 After successfully completing the fitness test.

A big night of packing the food packs.

March 23rd

March 16th

The last week has flown by.  Training has continued at a pace, although the change of season has seen a little sickness float through the group.  Fitness tests will continue over the next fortnight whenever weather permits and when testers can get to the track.

March 9th

Fitness test are in full swing with the trekkers required to complete 4 laps of 'heart-break' hill in under 50 minutes. 

So far Nick, Robbie, Wes, Lachlan and Sean have beaten the hill.

March 7th & 8th

 Can it get any better? A dark start to the Saturday morning walk and the Sunday afternoon walk finishing on dusk.

March 4th

March 1st

 In 6 weeks time we will be in Papua New Guinea.

This afternoon training switched to the 'Rifle Range' ascent to the rocks on Tumba Hill.  A most enjoyable two and a half hour stroll.  The group appreciates the support of the many community members who continue to join in on the training walks.

click on the links below

Preparation Undertaken during Jan & Feb 2009

 Preparation Undertaken in 2008