About Kokoda (and the 2012 trek)

Kokoda was arguably Australia’s most significant campaign in the Second World War. More Australians died in the seven months of fighting in Papua, and the Japanese came closer to Australia than in any other campaign. Australian troops fought through atrocious conditions and against vastly superior enemy numbers in the Papua-New Guinea campaign of Kokoda. The fighting on The Kokoda Track was one of the vital elements which saved Australia from invasion in World War II. As fighting continued, both sides suffered from malaria, dysentery, and fatigue.



War memorial at Alotau
The efforts of the native Papuans - the legendary "fuzzy wuzzy angels" are to be acknowledged. Cold, hungry and often over burdened, they carried forward the supplies and facilitated the evacuation of the casualties with devotion and humanity.

This campaign has forever sealed the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea. 2012 will be the 70th anniversary of the battle of Kokoda; we feel that there is a need to acknowledge this memorable event and give back to our less fortunate neighbors who gave so much during the war. This fundraising campaign will seek to raise money to provide better educational facilities and equipments for school children at Alotau schools, Milne Bay province.

To read more about the Battle of Milne Bay, click here. 

About the 2012 Trek

Kokoda Trek 2012 is an incorporated association established by four friends who went to Darwin High School in the 1990s: Sam Woods, Jon Baird, Agee Saffu and John Rawnsley. Each of us have a connection to PNG either through family or by living there when we were young.

In October 2012 we have committed ourselves (and hope to bring others along) to trek Kokoda to:

  • Raise funds for a good cause.  In Australia we are raising funds to donate for educational purposes for two schools in Alotau (Milne Bay province).  We are also seeking donations of items. 
  • Re-group as friends and invite others to the cause.  Since high school many of our peers (and us) have gone our seperate ways.  We live in different cities and towns.  As old friends we get a chance to catch up and we hope that others we know can join us
  • The physical challenge.  Trekking Kokoda is a significant challenge and we will need to be prepared.  This will challenge us personally and will be a rewarding experience.
To find out more about our cause, click here.

To donate securely online, click here.

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