Over 10 days these locals will put their lives on hold to experience a grueling 96km trek through Kokoda, in Papua New Guinea. Learn more about the individuals and their inspirations for taking part.
From a wide range of personal experiences, motivations and perspectives this group will unite to conquer this bucket list experience.
After the success of last years group, it is great to see so many people keen to join in this year, and show interest in next year.
If you would like to donate to Raising the Bar to show support of the efforts these locals will endure hit the button below.
Who is someone that inspires you?
Lachlan Stevens (and this is serious).
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
I have never really pushed myself out side of my comfort zone.... and it doesn't get much more out side than Kokoda. I am also inspired to do it by the guys who completed it last year and their stories.
It has already made so much different to my life with a complete change in lifestyle to a much healthier one.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
Knowing I can push myself to complete something I put my mind to.
I also would like to get a better understanding of what our Diggers went through over there and experience the different cultures.
Who is someone that inspires you?
I draw inspiration from everywhere depending on where I am in my own journey. At times, I find inspiration from close friends, family, and, members of my community, while at other times I am inspired by world leaders in their respective fields.
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
The Kokoda Trek embodies not only historical significance but also personal challenge. My family's immigration from Yugoslavia in 1997 occurred during a period of war, during which many of our relatives, including my father, served. This shared history adds layers of meaning to the trek's journey, intertwining our personal experiences with broader historical narratives. Kokoda has been on my bucket list for quite some time, and Now is as good a time as any!
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
Personal growth and reflection, I believe the physical and mental challenges of Kokoda will cultivate a greater appreciation for life around me.
Who is someone that inspires you?
My wife Lesley. She never gives up, never compromises her standards and puts everyone before herself.
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
Firstly to honour those that suffered and those that lost their lives on the Kokoda Trek, secondly to share the experience with a younger group of veterans and civilians and thirdly to be an example for older Australians.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
To bring back some poignant memories I can share with others in the league (RSL).
To inspire other older Australians and veterans. To learn from my companions.
Who is someone that inspires you?
This is a hard question, as many people shape your life in different ways, but I’ll say Billy Slater.
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
I was lucky enough to complete the Kokoda Trek last year with 100% Kokoda, I loved every minute of my time on the track. I believe that I’m still learning about the history. To have had a privilege of wearing the Australian Army uniform for a number of years, then walk in the foot steps of our brave soldiers is an honour I don’t take lightly. The porters of 100% Kokoda are just amazing humans, they treat you as if your family, the bond that you achieve with your porter is truely one of the highlights of the trip, so I highly recommend having a porter. The food porters do an amazing job as well so I recommend engaging with them when time permits. I look forward to many more trips on the track, and I look forward to walking with a group of strangers to me now but in the future friends that I will have shared laughs, tears and memories that will last a lifetime.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
I want to achieve more memories with the PNG families along the track. I want to soak up the history of our nation and all that was completed so we live a safe and free country that we are today. I look forward to meeting new friends whom we can share our stories as we have similar backgrounds and goals.
Who is someone that inspires you?
My Dad, and Jesus
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
To be honest, why not? Also I'm at the Biggest Turning Point of my Life Right NOW
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
Maybe find Me , Aldo Michael David Vella
Who is someone that inspires you?
My Dad
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
Personal challenge, also to gain an understanding on what soldiers had endured to keep Australia from being invaded. Also I have 3 nephews trekking with us and I hope this gives us an opportunity to get closer.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
Network with like minded people with my nephews and assist in work through each others difficulties and build resilience to assist navigating the journey of life. I also need to learn how to communicate effectively with the younger generation and become more empathetic to their feelings which I struggle to achieve.
Who is someone that inspires you?
My younger brother Jake
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
Completing the trek is something I always wanted to do. My younger brother Jake passed away early 2022 and I've made it my mission to say yes to every opportunity for adventure that comes my way. As he missed out on a lot of adventure being so young.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
Adventure and stories to tell my friends and family. To deal with my grief of loss, to achieve such a mental and physical challenge would make myself proud of what I can achieve.
Who is someone that inspires you?
My Mum
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
Feel a connection with those who walked the trek during WW2.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
A strong feeling of mateship with others on the trek.
Who is someone that inspires you?
Fred Hollows
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
To show appreciation for the endurance and resilience of the ANZAC's involved in the Pacific campaign of WW2.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
Gratitude and mateship.
Who is someone that inspires you?
Jenny and Adam from 'Run Naked' are inspirational people running an inspirational business.
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
To meet new people, and to challenge myself personally. I hope to have some experiences that stay with me for a lifetime.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
I hope to return from the trek feeling like I have learned from the experience and contributed to the trek in a positive way.
Who is someone that inspires you?
Nil
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
To know that I'm still capable, accomplishment
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
Self pride, inspiration, and confidence.
Who is someone that inspires you?
My friends and family.
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
To challenge myself and learn more about the history of the trail.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
A once in a lifetime experience and making new friends.
Who is someone that inspires you?
Jamie Whincup
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
To learn what our soldiers went through over in Kokoda. Plus for a bit of experience.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
Like I said to hope to learn more about Kokoda and WW2.
Who is someone that inspires you?
Lachlan Stevens.
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
Lifetime experience and get a feel for what the Australians went through during WW2.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
Improve Fitness and have a story that I can share with my nephews.
Who is someone that inspires you?
I am so privileged in my job to meet people who inspire me every day. There are so many people who do amazing work in our community.
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
I have watched Lachie and his team build Barstool Brothers and Raising the Bar. Their trek to Kokoda last year was inspiring and I can't wait to see the documentary! I want to see firsthand what our diggers had to endure in order to protect our country.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
I hope to test my physical and mental endurance in completing the trek. I really enjoy exercise like walking and hiking, and am looking forward to testing my fitness in a new challenging environment whilst learning more about our heroic Australian veterans sacrifices on the Kokoda Trail during World War Two.
Who is someone that inspires you?
David Goggins
Why do you want to complete the Kokoda Trek?
Because I have never done anything like it before.
What do you hope to get out of completing the trek?
To gain not only a challenging, life changing experience, but also a deeper appreciation for Papua New Guinea and its rich culture.
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