History

The Kokoda Track Foundation was established in 2003 in recognition of the assistance given to Australian Diggers during the Pacific War, from 1942 to 1945 by the people of Papua New Guinea, including the ‘Fuzzy-Wuzzy Angels’ - the Koiari and Orokaivean people living along the Kokoda Track.

All founding board members walked the Kokoda Track prior to joining the board of directors. The initial focus of the Foundation was on education, health, and contributing to a sustainable tourism industry along the Kokoda Track.

Since its inception, the Foundation has significantly expanded the reach of its education, health, and community development programs to a range of communities living along, and in the catchment area of, the Kokoda Track.

Since 2003, we have engaged consultants, volunteers, and local community partners to deliver our programs on the ground in Papua New Guinea. In 2009, the Foundation appointed its first Executive Director, Genevieve Nelson.