Kokoda Track Foundation

KTF News Archive

Foundation Urges Caution On Track Mine

The issue of whether to allow mining along the Kokoda track has once again made world headlines, with the latest threat aimed directly at preventing trekking in the area - READ MORE

 

Kokoda Spirit Lives On In Young Queenslander

11 year old Jay Meredith was born more than 50 years after the Kokoda campaign ceased, but the spirit of Kokoda is still very much within him - READ MORE

 

Donating To The Kokoda Cyclone Appeal

The rebuilding of Oro Province will take many months (maybe years), so you can still make a contribution to assist those in need - READ MORE

 

Who's Keeping The Kokoda Spirit Alive?

The Kokoda Cyclone Appeal Honour Roll of Donors continues to grow with pledges still coming in well into the New Year - READ MORE

 

DHL To The Rescue

(Dec 7th - 02:00pm)

The world’s leading freight operator, DHL, has made a wonderful donation to our response to the Cyclone Guba disaster in Oro Province.

On Saturday 8 December, DHL will divert its Trans-Tasman aeroplane, The Jedi, to PNG, delivering 15 tonnes of emergency equipment which has been donated, collected and packed by Guy Chenery’s Sydney-based not-for-profit organisation Overseas Disaster Resources Inc.

DHL answered a call for aid from the Kokoda Track Foundation and will deliver essential supplies to aid workers on the ground that include towels, sheets, blankets, workwear, cooking & eating utensils, rope and tarpaulins.

Kokoda Track Foundation Chairman, Patrick Lindsay, welcomed DHL’s mercy flight.

"The team from DHL dropped everything to make sure these desperately needed emergency supplies were flown to PNG as soon as possible, We salute their philanthropy, their compassion and their organisational skills,” Lindsay said.

“We sought DHL’s help to transport the shipment after Overseas Disaster Resources offered it to us. DHL’s Gary Edstein responded immediately and committed to providing the flight free of charge."

“We know that DHL’s efforts will help hundreds of families who lost everything in the Cyclone,” Lindsay added. “DHL’s actions are a wonderful example of the spirit of Kokoda at work. So is the work of Guy Chenery and his team from Overseas Disaster Resources who worked against the clock to source and pack the vital emergency equipment”.

 

Gary Edstein, Senior Vice President, DHL Express, Oceania was delighted to be able to help.

“We have sent 40 boxes of supplies to the region, containing basic living necessities, as people on the northern end of the Kokoda Track try to rebuild their lives after this devastating natural disaster,” he said

“Our task is to ensure that relief reaches people quickly and effectively by reducing bottlenecks at airports close to the scene of major natural disasters. Recently we have used our expertise in logistics and transportation to help people affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the South-Asia earthquake which struck northern Pakistan and northern India.

“We also help people after smaller scale - but nonetheless equally devastating - natural disasters all over the world,” Mr Edstein added. “And we frequently work in cooperation with our strategic partner, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) through DHL’s Disaster Response Team”.

DHL’s worldwide presence, comprehensive logistics network and experience in disaster management, makes the company uniquely placed to help people and communities affected by major sudden-onset natural disasters.

DHL has a Disaster Response Team who apply their professional knowledge of logistics and organize the handling, warehousing and loading of relief goods at the airport for onward transportation in an effective manner. As a result, people in need receive relief supplies quickly.

Once the shipment of emergency equipment lands in Port Moresby, it will be handed over to the Co-ordinator of the PNG National Disaster Centre, Bernard Choulai.

Bernard will arrange for it to be sent by boat to Oro Bay. It will then be handed to AusAid and the Australian Defence Force who will distribute it to those most in need in Oro Province.

.../ENDS

 

Damage Assessment Of Oro Province Area By KTF

(Dec 6th - 10:15am)

The Kokoda Track Foundation was making an on-the-ground assessment of its existing programs when Cyclone Guba struck. Our representative was immediately despatched to also assess the scale of damage in Oro Province.

In a draft report filed yesterday, we can now confirm:

 

The KTF is releasing a further AUD$20K in funds today, bringing the total sent to PNG in the last fortnight to AUD$40,000.

Further transmissions of Kokoda Cyclone Appeal Funds will be coordinated over the coming weeks, as we continue to receive information as to where the monies can be deployed for maximum benefit.

 

.../ENDS

 

Thank-You Today Tonight and Sky News Australia

(Dec 3rd - 07:15pm)

The NETWORK SEVEN program Today Tonight has aired a story highlighting the ongoing Oro Province disaster.

As a direct result of the story, the number of donations per day has almost tripled in the last 72 hours. We'd like to sincerely thank Executive Producer, Craig McPherson and his team at the program for helping to inform more Australians about the emergency facing our nearest neighbour and Fuzzy Wuzzy descendants.

 

FOXTEL channel Sky News Australia is also raising awareness by regularly transmitting a 30 second television announcement informing Australians as to how they can assist.

We also sincerely thank the Sky News team for their generous support.

 

Mass Burials As Oro Relatives Return To Find More Bodies

(Nov 27th - 08:45am)

COURTESY: http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20071126/mohome.htm

BODIES are being buried in mass graves along coastal areas in Oro Province as villagers return home to find more bodies as floodwaters and high seas subside.


The death toll from floods and high seas whipped up by tropical Cyclone Guba two weeks ago is expected to hit 250 as more people are expected to die from starvation and diseases. In the hinterlands, hundreds of people are still trapped and unable to come out in fear of landslides.


A large number of casualties have yet to be brought out for medical attention. Relief efforts by the National Government, after declaring a State of Emergency in the province are slowly trickling in.

Three days after disaster struck SOE Controller Vagi Oala said relief supplies had been sent to the worst affected areas. Two Islands Aviation helicopters are engaged in the delivery of relief supplies to hard hit villages. Three Australian Army Caribou aircraft flew in with supplies on Friday doubling relief supply efforts.


A barge carrying foreign mission relief supplies sailed into Gona from Lae also on Friday as the international community stepped up aid efforts. Reports reaching Popondetta say starving villagers are diving underwater where they believe their gardens exist to pull out vegetables to eat. Oro Bay Local Level Government Ward 2 councillor Wallace Jiki and Bareji Ward 1 councillor Nigel Begu both arrived from Pongani yesterday to seek relief supplies for their wards.


They reported 60 people being washed away by the floods at Pongani in the Managalas Plateau. Mr Jiki said until yesterday 16 bodies have been found buried without formal ceremony.

... /ENDS

Operation PNG Assist Steps Up A Gear

(Nov 27th - 06:45am)

Kokoda locals Joe Basse and Fargo Kotti help unload the first boxes of aid and medical supplies to their local hospital after the destructive floods of Cyclone Guba left bridges destroyed and supply routes in and around Oro province cut off. KTF funded supplies were amongst the shipment.Operation PNG Assist is the Australian Defence Force’s mission to provide substantial disaster relief assistance to Papua New Guinea, as they help villages destroyed by flooding in the wake of Cyclone Guba.

Working with AusAID and other agencies including The Kokoda Track Foundation, the ADF has established the most effective response and has sent over a small support and command element. Joint Task Force 636, under the command of Group Captain Tim Innes, will coordinate ADF support in close consultation with Papua New Guinea’s Government.

The Kokoda Memorial Hospital (www.kokodamemorialhospital.com) received some of the very first boxes of aid and medical supplies after the destructive floods of Cyclone Guba left bridges destroyed and supply routes in and around Oro province cut off. KTF funded supplies were amongst the shipment.

Royal Australian Air force C-130 Hercules will be joined by three Caribou aircraft and three Black Hawk helicopters from the Australian Army to move aid into Oro province where the flooding has occurred. The Joint Task Force will be expanding its relief effort over the next week visiting all villages in the province.

First Hand Account of Oro Disaster

(Nov 24th - 04:30pm)

Wayne Wetherall of trekking company Kokoda Spirit has just returned from PNG and the areas worst affected by the floods in Oro Province.

In an email to the Foundation he reports:

 

Hi Patrick,

I have just returned from PNG.

I was on the track with an Australian Army group when the cyclone hit. I also had a group of trekkers in Buna from Wednesday, week ago till last Sunday. They were part of a group of Kokoda Spirit trekkers on a tour with our Buna Trek leader and Buna Porters of the beachhead areas when the disaster struck.

According to the trekkers it was due to the skill, bravery and resourcefulness of these outstanding Buna boys who put the trekkers safety and welfare ahead of their own that they survived. The trekkers were able to get to Popendetta airport late on Friday and sheltered in the terminal.

With the help of APNG I was able to charter into Popendetta Airport and evacuate our trekkers and drop off supplies to our Porters.

We have also sent cash directly to our Buna Trek Master for the purchase of food for their villages. We have commenced our fundraising and will keep you informed.

Thank you for your caring and assistance. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Regards

Wayne Wetherall

... /ENDS

Operation PNG Assist - The Kokoda Spirit At Work

(Nov 23rd - 03:00pm)

The Australian Defence Force has once again shown that the Kokoda Spirit is very much alive and well following their rapid deployment of assistance to the people of Oro Province in Papua New Guinea.

Earlier today members of Townsville's 5th Aviation Regiment prepared for deployment to Papua New Guinea, to participate in Operation PNG Assist.

An Aviation Task Group including elements of 5th Aviation Regiment are to provide aviation support to compliment the Government of Australia Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid provided to the disaster-affected areas in the vicinity of Popondetta in Papua New Guinea.

 

All images are Copyright of the Commonwealth of Australia © 2007

Supplied by the Department of Defence

 

KTF Supplies Getting To Where They're Needed

(Nov 23rd - 11:30am)

Roger Wheatley, First Secretary Public Affairs (AusAID) at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby has now confirmed that around ten boxes of medical supplies were delivered to both the Kokodo Memorial and Popondetta hospitals last night by Australian C130 aircraft.

Multiple Australian Defence assessement teams are in the Oro Province today and we hope to receive a detailed report on the situation later today.

... /ENDS

Australian military planes arrive in Papua New Guinea

(Nov 22nd - 10:45pm)

COURTESY: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22803489-16953,00.html

Thousands of people are in desperate need of food, clean water and medical supplies after floods washed away homes, roads, bridges and food gardens in Oro Province last week.

The death toll has passed 160, and officials fear it will climb unless supplies reach the disaster zone quickly.

Australia has sent in two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft loaded with AusAID relief supplies.Two smaller Caribou planes have also been sent to distribute the aid. Another Caribou and three Army Black Hawk helicopters will join the effort tomorrow.And a Royal Australian Navy heavy landing craft is also on standby to sail from Cairns if needed.

Relief supplies sent by Australia include water purification tablets and containers, emergency shelters, blankets and generators.

AusAID has organised an assessment team to fly to the province later today to report on the scale of the damage, and the most urgent requirements. AusAID disaster management and health experts will travel to Oro tomorrow.

... /ENDS

Australia provides PNG flood relief

(Nov 22nd - 3:45pm)

COURTESY: www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/11/22/2098328.htm?section=justin

Australia is donating up to $1 million in aid for flood victims in Papua New Guinea.

Air Force planes and Army helicopters are being sent to PNG to help in the relief effort, along with supplies including water purification tablets, emergency shelter, blankets and generators.

There have been reports that dozens of people have been killed and the Papua New Guinea government estimates 150,000 locals have been affected by heavy flooding caused by cyclone Guba.

The Australian Navy is also on standby to help.

... /ENDS

Medical Supplies Rushed To Oro

(Nov 22nd - 11:35am)

We have just received confirmation that the first batch of KTF medical supplies has left Port Moresby by helicopter for the Oro Province.

The delivery is being ferried by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in conjunction with the Australian High Commission.

We will be receiving an update on the situation in Oro from the Australian Assessment Team later today upon their return to Port Moresby.

... /ENDS

Death Toll In Oro Province Reaches 153

(Nov 22nd - 9:30am)

Last night the PNG Government asked the Australian High Commission for immediate assistance to deal with the State of Emergency in Oro Province. The official death toll now stands at 153, and is expected to climb higher.

Disaster and Emergency officials in PNG said yesterday the biggest threat is now the outbreak of deadly water-borne diseases and starvation, as medical and food supplies in the area start to run out.

... /ENDS

Cyclone Guba Devastates Kokoda Area

(Nov 21st - 10.30am)

The Kokoda Track Foundation has called on Australians to draw on the spirit of Kokoda, to provide emergency medical supplies and to help the people on the northern end of the Kokoda Track to rebuild their lives after the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Guba.

A week of incessant rain brought about by Cyclone Guba has inundated much of the Oro Province and flooding has swept away major bridges and roads. It has devastated many low-lying villages, destroying as many as 10,000 traditional houses, and killed at least 75 people with another 50 reported missing.

The Papua New Guinea Government has declared a State of Emergency in the Oro Province.

The latest news reports out of PNG can be found at The National Newspaper online:  

Oro situation desperate

http://www.thenational.com.pg/112007/Nation%203.htm

Oro declared disaster area

http://www.thenational.com.pg/112007/Nation%204.htm

"We're asking for Australians to help the descendants of the famous Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels - just as they helped us in our hour of greatest need in 1942 - by donating emergency funds now," the Chairman of the Kokoda Track Foundation, Patrick Lindsay, said today.

"All monies raised will go to providing emergency and medical supplies for the Oro people and to assist them in rebuilding their shattered lives.

"The Kokoda Track Foundation has immediately committed $20,000 worth of medical supplies to the Kokoda Memorial Hospital to assist in the prevention of likely water-borne diseases in the area," Lindsay said.

... /ENDS

 

Kokoda Track Mining Statement

KTF MEDIA RELEASE 01-Nov-07

Speaking in Sydney today, Chairman of The Kokoda Track Foundation, Patrick Lindsay, has addressed news reports that a section of the iconic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea may be re-routed to accommodate the workings of a mine proposed for the area by Australian company, Frontier Resources.

Mr Lindsay says the Foundation is committed to protecting the Track as an area for all people - particularly those living along it - and is dedicated to protecting its cultural, historical and environmental significance.

"The mine is due to start operations apparently in 2015, so there is plenty of time to negotiate a satisfactory agreement protecting the environment, and the welfare of the people living along the Track," Lindsay said.

If it does go ahead, the mine will affect a section of the Track which includes the Ofi Creek Crossing.

"Ofi Creek is a very significant site along the Track, both historically as the area of the furthest advance of the Japanese, and as a stunningly beautiful spot where trekkers can replicate one of the fmost famous photographs from the campaign - where Diggers are seen crossing the creek with Fuzzy Wuzzy porters."

"The creek is already feeling the adverse affects of the preliminary mining and water quality is being damaged."

The Kokoda Track Foundation has created a Strategic Plan for the management of the Track and has presented a copy to PNG and Aust Governments for their consideration.

"Our hope is that the governments use the recently announced $15.9m commitment to the PNG Government to decide on a strategic program which considers all the major threats to the Track - mining, forestry and over-trekking - and commits to a long-term program that wins World Heritage Listing for the Track and its environs and secures a management plan for its use that benefits the people living along it."

 

PNG Programs Evaluation Undertaken

The Kokoda Track Foundation undertakes an on-the-ground review of its programs in PNG every 6 months.

Last month, KTF representative Justin Francis visited key contacts in Port Moresby, a number of schools along the track and the Kokoda Memorial Hospital to make a first-hand assessment of the impact and effectiveness of the KTF’s health and education initiatives.

The draft report, tabled at the September 19th Board Meeting contained the following key highlights:

 

 

Kokoda Track News Reports Clarified By KTA

01/10/2007

Source: KTF MEDIA RELEASE

Author: Jason Franklin, KTF General Manager

Email: gm@kokodatrackfoundation.org

 

Recently there have been some reports of security problems along the Track.

Warren Bartlett, the Director of the PNG local government body, the Kokoda Track Authority, briefed the KTF immediately following the incidents and reported that the situation can be summed up as following:

Warren Bartlett’s enquiries lead him to believe the attack was the result of a tribal dispute. He does not believe the attack increases security risks for trekkers generally. 

Nevertheless, all trekkers should take prudent security precautions, including travelling in substantial groups under experienced guides and operators with adequate communications.

 

Blake Dawson Waldron Foundation Backs KTF

01/10/2007

Source: KTF MEDIA RELEASE

Author: Jason Franklin, KTF General Manager

Email: gm@kokodatrackfoundation.org

 

Australian international law firm Blake Dawson Waldron, the Chambers Global ‘Australian Law Firm of the Year’, plays a vital role in ensuring the foundation’s funds get to where they’re needed in PNG.

BDW’s Port Moresby office acts as a go-between for monies transferred to the country, using the firm’s trust account for dispersal to local entities and suppliers. BDW provides this important service to the KTF free of charge.

And just to prove how much faith they have in the system, we are very pleased to announce that BDW has put their Foundation’s money in their own safe hands by donating $15,000 to the KTF.

The KTF board of directors would like to warmly thank Chairman of Partners, Mary Padbury and Managing Partner, John Atkin and all the employees of BDW for their generous support.

 

Thanks to:

 

PRDnationwide Launches National Fundraising Campaign

01/10/2007

Source: KTF MEDIA RELEASE

Author: Jason Franklin, KTF General Manager

Email: gm@kokodatrackfoundation.org

 

A group of PRDnationwide staff recently completed a team-building trek across the Kokoda Track.

The trekkers were so moved by the experience, they are now actively raising funds on the KTF’s behalf. They have raised around $10,000 to date and more fund-raising is planned.

All PRDnationwide funds will be used for health and educational programs sanctioned by the PRDnationwide team.

Thanks to:

 

Microsoft's Kokoda Work Venture

01/10/2007

Source: KTF MEDIA RELEASE

Author: Jason Franklin, KTF General Manager

Email: gm@kokodatrackfoundation.org

 

Microsoft Australia supports numerous community initiatives.

This includes WorkVentures, a not-for-profit organization that provides quality economic and community development services, with special priority given to unemployed and disadvantaged people.

A group of Microsoft Australia employees, in conjunction with WorkVentures, recently donated $3,000.00 to the KTF so we can provide similar services to the people of Australia’s closest neighbour.

The KTF thanks both organizations for their support, and looks forward to their pledge being the starting point for future joint initiatives.

Thanks to:

PNG Health & Education Spending More Than Doubles

08/08/2007

Source: KTF MEDIA RELEASE

Author: Jason Franklin, KTF General Manager

Email: gm@kokodatrackfoundation.org

 

The KTF has more than doubled the amount of its funds spent on health and education during 2006-7.

Our programs included:

KTF Schools Resource Funding – 11 schools along the track provided with funds to purchase essential school needs.

KTF Fuzzy Wuzzy Scholarships – 36 students were selected to have their annual school fees paid for by the KTF. Students must be able to report that they have met an acceptable level of achievement to remain eligible.

Kokoda Hospital Medical Supplies – the KTF has provided much needed funds to the hospital on a number of occasions throughout the year. So far this calendar year we have provided $20,000 worth of medicines and supplies to Kokoda Hospital.

Correspondence like below sums up the difference being made on the ground in PNG.

From: Warren R Bartlett [kokodatrackauthority@global.net.pg]

Sent: Monday, 12 March 2007 4:56 PM

To: Jason Franklin

Subject: Medical Supplies to Kokoda Hospital.

Hi Jason,

I just visited Kokoda to resolve a number of KTA issues …

At Kokoda Hospital, Sister Margaret advised that the Hospital was out of saline solution so I offered for KTA to purchase some supplies at Johnston’s Pharmacy and airfreight to Kokoda this Wednesday.

This afternoon I purchased the following:

20106874 IV SOL 0.9% SODIUM CHLORIDE 1LTR 24 @ 6.99 167.76

20106805 IV SOL 0.18% SOD CHL & 4% DEXT 1LTR 24 @ 13.59 326.16

20106812 IV SOL HARTMANN'S SOD / LACT 1LTR 24 @ 7.02 168.48

INVOICE#294625 TOTAL OF 12/03/07 K662.40

Johnston’s advised that KTF still had K437.20 credit from the big order earlier this year so they suggested that credit be put towards this order and I have therefore paid the balance of K225.20 on behalf of KTA. I will also arrange for KTA to pay the airfreight which I presume will be for around 75 kg around K250.00

I trust this has your blessing as the Hospital urgently requires these supplies to save lives.

 

Regards ............... Warren Bartlett (EO KTA)

 

New Initiative Plans To Tackle Sanitation Along The Track

08/08/2007

Source: KTF MEDIA RELEASE



Author: Jason Franklin, KTF General Manager

Email: gm@kokodatrackfoundation.org

As anyone who has walked the track knows only too well, toilet breaks along the way are not an experience akin to what most Australians take for granted.

In fact, many schools in the area have toilet facilities that fall well short of even the lowest acceptable standards, promoting the spread of preventable disease amongst students.

The KTF is undertaking a zero-cost feasibility study to understand if there is a suitable, low-cost, sanitation solution that could provide those schools in most need along the track with upgraded toilet facilities.

The study is affectionately being called, Krappers For Kokoda.

Submissions are currently being sought from Australian firms that specialize in providing such amenities and a report will be submitted to the KTF Board for consideration at the earliest possible juncture.

If you have expertise in this area that you would like to share, please email:

gm@kokodatrackfoundation.org

 

Strong Foundation Laid For Year Ahead

19/07/2007

Source: KTF MEDIA RELEASE

Author: Patrick Lindsay, KTF Chairman

Email: chairman@kokodatrackfoundation.org

2006-7 was a watershed year for the KTF.

The KTF Board held its now annual, day-long development conference in Sydney on Wednesday July 18th to plan its fundraising activities and PNG assistance programs for the year ahead.

Donations for the last 12 months almost doubled from the previous year, whilst monies sent to PNG for health and education programs did more than double from $20.03K in 2005-6 to $42.5K in 2006-7.

The KTF is now in the strongest position it has ever been to carry out its PNG programs and has set itself a goal of again doubling the amount of money spent on health and education for 2007-8.

Programs considered at this year's development conference included:

Fundraising initiatives will again focus around the Ralph Honner Oration Dinner for 2008, with some smaller events planned between now and the end of the year.

 

The keynote speaker for the oration will be Australian Federal Police Chief, Mr Mick Keelty.

 

* Thanks also to Yahoo for donating both the venue and refreshments for the day-long development conference!

 

 

2007 Lt. Col. Ralph Honner Oration Dinner

04/03/2007

Source: KTF MEDIA RELEASE

Author: Patrick Lindsay, KTF Chairman

Email: chairman@kokodatrackfoundation.org

Kokoda Diggers rally for the children of Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels


Forty veterans of the WWII Kokoda Track campaign came from around Australia to Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel on Friday March 2 2007 to support the Kokoda Track Foundation’s programs aimed at helping the kids of the Kokoda Track.


The veterans were joined by the oldest-living “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel”, Ovuru Ndiki, and 400 Foundation supporters to hear General Peter Cosgrove deliver the 2007 Ralph Honner Oration in memory of one of the outstanding leaders of the Kokoda campaign.


The WWII Diggers held centre stage in an emotion-charged evening that raised $45,000 for the Kokoda Track Foundation’s programs, which aim to improve the health and education of the people along the Track.


General Cosgrove’s inspirational oration highlighted an unforgettable evening that featured 94-year-old Kokoda legend Stan Bisset in a wonderful rendition of ‘Danny Boy’ and the stories of Kokoda Diggers.


The veterans made a grand entrance through a guard of honour provided by Shore School’s Cadet Unit to a standing ovation. The cadets then ‘adopted a vet’ for the evening.


Earlier, one of the 39th Battalion vets, Harry Barkla from Victoria, had quietly slipped the Kokoda Track Foundation’s chairman, Patrick Lindsay, an envelope. “When I opened the envelope shortly before the start of official proceedings I was stunned to find a cheque for $5000,” Lindsay said.


“I checked with Harry to make sure he could afford the remarkable donation and he said: ‘In the years immediately after the war, we put some Papuan kids through school on scholarships but I didn’t have any dough then. Now I’ve got a few quid and I want to do something for them.’
“Harry’s wonderful gesture set the tone of an evening that raised $23,000 from the silent auction of prints signed by the veterans and another $20,000-plus from donations, pledges and memberships,” Lindsay added.


Alan ‘Kanga’ Moore, President of the 39th Battalion Association recited the ode and Rev Roy Wooton, of the 53rd Battalion, said grace before Stan Bisset and Bill James brought
the house down with their ‘Danny Boy’ duet in memory of Stan’s brother Butch who died in his arms at the battle of Isurava.


Then, George Palmer and Arnold Forrester, the only surviving Diggers from Damien Parer’s iconic image of the young Diggers of the 39th Battalion struggling through the knee-deep mud on the Track, told of their harrowing time on the Track and of Ralph Honner’s extraordinary leadership.


General Peter Cosgrove then spoke powerfully about leadership and the unique challenges faced by Ralph Honner and his inexperienced young Diggers and their remarkable achievements in holding up the hitherto irresistible Japanese onslaught long enough to be relieved by the AIF.
He stressed that the unique nature of the threat posed by the invading Japanese and the special demands of jungle fighting meant that the Kokoda campaign could not be compared to any conflict past or present.


“The veterans greatly appreciated General Cosgrove’s candour and his clear understanding of their sacrifices,” Patrick Lindsay said. “One of the veterans, Colin Richardson, told of his harrowing tale of survival during the campaign after he was shot through the chest near Templeton’s Crossing. Like hundreds of other Diggers, he owed his life to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who carried him with great tenderness through impossible terrain to safety.


“The Kokoda Track Foundation is working to repay the debt of honour we owe to the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ and the people of PNG, our nearest neighbours,” Lindsay added.

The Kokoda Track Foundation provides secondary school scholarships for children from the villages along the Kokoda Track. It also runs educational and medical supply programs. In 2008 it will launch its ‘Kokoda Scholars Scheme’, a tertiary scholarship program in the tradition of the Rhodes Scholarships aimed at discovering and fostering the next generation of PNG leaders.
The Foundation is also working with WWF, the global conservation organisation, to help secure World Heritage Listing for the Track and its environs and to promote the adoption by the PNG Government of the Foundation’s Master Plan for the Management of the Track.

During the evening, the PNG High Commissioner, Mr Charles Lepani, spoke passionately about the enduring friendship between the peoples of Australia and PNG. He stressed the friendship was strong enough to survive any passing political storms and he thanked the Foundation for its work in promoting the goodwill between our two peoples.

ENDS/...

Download copy of above here

 

Special thanks also to the following people and entities whose generous support helped us to exceed all expectations:

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Rudd Vow On Kokoda Track

21/01/2007

Source: www.heraldsun.com.au

Author: Lincoln Wright

20070121 Rudd Vow On Kokoda Track

 

2006 News Archive - click here