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Edirorial by Charlie Lynn | |
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 According to PNG Kokoda Track Authority records more than 3,700 Australians have trekked Kokoda this year. This is both 'good' and 'not-so-good' news. Good because it reflects the emerging interest in our military history and not-so-good because it is placing increasing stress on the local environment along the track.The track itself is also under threat from logging concessions on the southern side of the Owen Stanley's and mining concessions in the Ofi Creek area. The PNG Kokoda Track Authority is to be commended for their efforts in ensuring communities obtain shared benefits from the influx of trekkers. It will take time for this fledgling organisation to obtain the necessary expertise for the proper management of the track and to develop systems for an effective eco-trekking operation. I would hope that PNG Tourism and other agencies will provide them with the assistance they need to get the model right. The Kokoda Track Foundation is also to be commended for their work in finalising a strategic plan for the development of the Kokoda Trail as a National Memorial Park. I would particularly like to thank Kelvin Templeton of Templeton-Galt for his leadership in producing the plan. Dr Stephen Wearing of the University of Technology Sydney and Paul Chatterton of the World Wide Fund for Nature in PNG also played leading roles in facilitating workshops and providing the intellectual horsepower necessary to drive the process. We were ably assisted by Warren Bartlett, the CEO of the PNG Kokoda Track Authority; his Chairman, Mr Alfred Amuli; and Board Members, Mr Gary Imri and Mr Norris James who all played vital roles in the process. We were fortunate to acquire the services of Colonel David Knaggs of Davendish Consulting to bring it all together in a comprehensive plan as a model for a sustainable eco-trekking industry for PNG. We presented the final draft of the plan to The Hon Sir Michael Somare, Prime Minister of PNG at a special dinner in Port Moresby on Anzac Day 2006, and to our Minister for Veterans Affairs, The Hon Bruce Bilson in Parliament House, Canberra on 15 June 2006. The presentation of the plan was the end of a process commenced in 1994 when we first developed a proposal for the track to be developed as a national memorial park. Having completed this process I have resigned from the Board to enable me to focus on wider issues impacting on our relationship with PNG (see the sections on 'PNG: so near yet far from friendly' and 'Seasonal work in Australia for PNG Carriers'. Adventure Kokoda will continue to support the PNG Kokoda Track Authority and villages along the track and have established a Kokoda Trust (see story below) for this purpose. We recently raised $21,000 for the Kokoda Hospital and village schools and we are in the process of bringing a young girl, Nancy Oberi, from Menari Village (see story below) to Australia for urgent medical treatment. Click here to see Adventure Kokoda's contributions to villages along the track in 2006. On a final note don't forget our 2007 Kokoda Reunion Dinner at Parliament House in Sydney on Friday, 25th August 2007. The next day an official memorial service will be held at The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, Concord, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Battle for Isurava. Lest we forget, Charlie |
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Blamey: Controversial leader | |
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 Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey - Australia's most promoted, but least appreciated soldier. The most recent diatribe against Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey by 'historian' Michael McKernan (The Strength of a Nation) is based on a false premise. In the latest attempt to besmirch the reputation of Australia's most senior commander McKernan obviously accepts the 'rumours' about Blamey's address at Koitaki as 'fact'. Students with an interest in Blamey's life would be better advised to read Blamey: the Commander-in-Chief by David Horner. Students should also review the 2005 Blamey Oration delivered by Major General Gordon Maitland AO OBE RFD ED on the 54th anniversary of the death of the Field Marshal on 27 May 1951. Professor David Horner and Major General Gordon Maitland are both ex-army and as such they both have an understanding of the culture of the military. This is reflected in the objective research evident in Horner's biography on Blamey and Maitland's 2005 Blamey Oration to the Royal Services Institute. Some contemporary writers posing as 'military historians' have been inclined to use 'heresay' as the basis of their research. Maitland suggests that because Blamey was appointed by Menzies these 'modern history commentators' regard him as a 'Liberal' and have therefore decreed him to be fair game. They also understand that controversial statements dressed up as 'research' are more likely to attract media attention to their books. Nobody suggests Blamey was a saint - he apparently enjoyed the company of women and also enjoyed a beer or three. Strewth! In his 2005 Blamey Oration General Maitland reviews several controversial relationships and events in Blamey's career and, in seeking to set the record straight, presents new evidence from his own research on the Kokoda campaign. In his address, Maitland asks his audience to "Please temporarily expunge from your memories your past reading and listen today with a completely open mind. Why? You might well ask. Because to an extent you have been influenced by writers who have allowed themselves to be influenced. They have done well in bringing us splendid descriptions of terrain, events and experiences, but some have produced conclusions beyond their competence to make. Think of all that has been written about the Kokoda Trail, including the published deductions, conclusions and accusations. Yet you will fail to find any worthwhile analysis of the conduct of operations. Also, the influences which shape a commander's decisions range well beyond those that can later be identified by historians, some of whom lack understanding of the culture of the army". Click here to read the full transcript of this well researched and authorative address by Major General Gordon Maitland. |
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Strategic Plan for Kokoda | |
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 PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare was our special guest at our Anzac Trek Dinner hosted by Adventure Kokoda at the Airways Hotel in Port Moresby on 25 April 2006. The purpose of the dinner was to present our strategic plan for the development of the Kokoda Trail as a National Memorial Park. The plan took three years to complete and included workshops in Sydney, Port Moresby, Efogi Village and Kokoda. It was developed in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature; the University of Technology Sydney; Templeton-Galt and Davendish Consulting. Participants included clan leaders, landowners, eco-trekkers, trek operators, the RSL, PNG tourism, the PNG National Cultural Commission and the Kokoda Track Authority. Dame Carol Kidu and Sir Peter Barter, both senior Ministers in Sir Michael's cabinet also attended. Sir Michael thanked the Chairman of the Kokoda Track Foundation, Charlie Lynn, for the plan and advised that his government would work with the Australian government to implement the strategy as a model for eco-tourism in PNG. Dame Carol Kidu and Sir Peter Barter, both senior Ministers in Sir Michael's cabinet also attended. Sir Michael thanked the Chairman of the Kokoda Track Foundation, Charlie Lynn, for the plan and advised that his government would work with the Australian government to implement the strategy as a model for eco-tourism in PNG. The plan took three years to complete and was fully funded through donations received by The Kokoda Track Foundation. Given the recent threats from logging and mining along the track the completion of the plan is timely. Click here to review our strategic plan for the development of the Kokoda Trail as a national memorial park. |
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Memorial Plan for the Track | |
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The strategic plan we developed for Kokoda is a dynamic document which will be
reviewed and updated on a regular basis. We hope that both the PNG and
Australian governments will use it as a model for the development of an
eco-trekking industry in other areas of historical, cultural and environmental
significance in PNG for example the Black Cat Track, Shaggy Ridge, Milne Bay,
Buna, Gona, Mt Wilhelm and the Kapa Kapa Track to name a few. The next phase in our strategy is the development of a 'Memorial Plan' for Kokoda. The aim of this plan is to recognise significant battlesites along the track with an appropriate memorial at each site. The plan will also recognise the contribution of the 'Fuzzy-Wuzzy Angels' in the campaign.  Michael Pender of Hewitt-Pender and Associates who designed and built the
magnificent memorial at Isurava has agreed to trek across Kokoda to examine each
of the battlesites with a view to designing an appropriate memorial for each
one. Michael has generously agreed to develop the plan on a 'pro-bono' basis
however we still have to raise an estimated $70,000 to make it happen.During our Anzac trek this year our group agreed to commit to raising the necessary funds. Dr David Dunn, who trekked Kokoda with his wife Anna, agreed to head up an informal fundraising committee to raise the $70K required for the plan. Adventure Kokoda donated $10,000 to the fund to kick it off and our 2006 Anzac group have been busy 'rattling the can' ever since. We would hope to present the funds to The Kokoda Track Foundation early in 2007. All monies raised will be directed to the completion of the Memorial Plan. If you would like to donate to the fund please contact David at david@drdavidbdunn.com and he will provide you with the details of the account. |
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39th Battallion back on the Order of Battle | |
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 After more than 60 years years the gallant 39th Battalion has been placed back
on the Australian Order of Battle. Nobody has ever been able to adequately
explain why the 39th was ever removed from the Order of Battle at the end of the
WW11.It could well have been because army headquarters did not realise the significance of their actions at Kokoda and Isurava because of the censorship exercised through General Macarthur's headquarters at the time. One who was well aware of their achievements is the Governor General, H.E. Major General Michael Jeffrey AC MC. After a meeting with the President of the 39th Battalion Association, 'Kanga' Moore' the Governor General had a 'word' with the army Chief of the General Staff, General Peter Leahy, and on 8th August 2006 the 39th Combat Support Battalion was formed at a parade at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.  The 39th Battalion is the only army unit to have the word 'Kokoda' emblazoned on
their regimental banner as they were the only unit to actually fight on the
Kokoda plateau.On 21 November 2006 the 39th Combat Support Battalion held their first Regimental Dinner at the Randwick Sergeants Mess. Guests of honour for the evening were the President of the 39th Battalion Association, Lt Col Alan (Kanga) Moore, Sergeant Joe Dawson and their tireless secretary, Norm Stockdale. Kanga and Joe served together on the track at Kokoda and Isurava and the respect they have for each other - and for fellow members of their battalion - will be an inspiration for our young solders of the 39th Combat Support Battalion. Click here to go to the 39th Battalion website. |
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PNG Kokoda Day - 3 November 2006 | |
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 The inaugural Kokoda Day was commemorated with the raising of the Australian flag on the Kokoda plateau on 3 November 2006. The small parade was organised by the Mayor of Kokoda, Ori Kennia and The Kokoda Track Authority.Whilst our proposal to have 3rd November officially proclaimed as Kokoda Day received widespread support from Members of Parliament on all sides of the political spectrum the Government has decided not to support it. The people of Kokoda decided to make the proclamation themselves and have declared 3 November as their own 'Kokoda Day'. The day will include a cultural display, 'sing-sings' from the various Orokaiva tribes in the Kokoda area and an official flag raising ceremony. Small treks to the Isurava Memorial will also be organised for those who do not wish to trek all the way to Owers Corner. 3 November 2007 is the 65th anniversary of the raising of the flag and an official service will be held at Kokoda to commemorate the occasion. We will provide more information on the service in the new year. Click here to read: . Charlie Lynn's speech to the NSW Parliament regarding Kokoda Day . Kokoda Day Media Release |
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We help a 'little angel' from Menari | |
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On our July trek the Luluai of Menari village, Faole, asked if we could help his
grand-daughter, Nancy Oribe, to walk. Nancy was born with 'club' feet. This is a
congenital foot condition cause by the position of the foot in the womb. The
condition affects all the joints, tendons and ligaments in the foot and is often
referred to as Congential Talipes EquinoVarus. According to one specialist in
the area of clubfoot 'to not maintain the condition is to play Russian Roulette
with half the chambers loaded. If the condition is left untreated Nancy will  have to walk on the outer top surface of her feet and will experience hard skin, corns and ingrown toenails. She will never be able to wear shoes and will walk with an abnormal gait. We have decided to help fix the problem and bring Nancy to Sydney for an operation. Recently I gave a talk on Kokoda to the NRMA and they have generously donated $5000 to Adventure Kokoda to assist. Peter Davis, a trek leader with Adventure Kokoda and an active member of Rotary has raised more than $3,000 which he has donated to ROMAC who will assist us with the project. Dr Andrew Wines, a pediatric/orthopedic surgeon at Westmead hospital has kindly volunteered his services free of charge for the operation. We will keep you posted on Nancy's progress and will put out an SOS if we need assistance with any additional funding. In 1996 we facilitated a similar rescue mission for Kennedy Siga from Alola Village. Channel 9 came to the rescue and sent Angry Anderson and Collette Mann to the village to bring  Kennedy and his father back to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne for the operation. It was a success and Kennedy has been able to walk and run with with the other children in the village ever since.We hope, with your support, to provide the same opportunity for Nancy. |
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Campsite Booking System | |
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A booking system needs to be developed to ensure campsites are available for trek operators who book treks in advance. There are increasing instances where trekkers are arriving at campsites without any notice. If the site is already occupied by a group they have to prepare a new temporary site for the night. This leads to unnecessary clearing and pollution of the track as they are not able to establish proper toilet/ablution facilities at such short notice. The KTA should require trek operators/trekkers to submit a trek itinerary with their application for trek permits. This would allow them to monitor the capacity of the track and will help avoid potential disputes over occupancy of campsites. This is not possible under the current system as the KTA does not have the expertise or the resources to undertake such a task. |
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Field Guide to Kokoda | |
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 Bill James first trekked Kokoda in 1999 and since then he has become a passionate advocate for the campaign. Like most who trek Kokoda he was surprised at the lack of knowledge about the battlesites along the track. He committed to researching the campaign and since then he has trekked Kokoda on numerous occasions, trawled through battalion histories at the Australian War Memorial, returned to key battlesites with veterans who fought in the campaign and visited Japan to interview survivors from the campaign.Bill's 'Field Guide to the Kokoda Track' is a must read for anybody planning to trek Kokoda and for any student of the campaign. It has obviously been a labour of love for Bill who devoted the past six years to the research and production of the book. Kokoda veterans, trekkers and students owe him a huge vote of thanks for his contribution to the spirit of Kokoda. You can check Bill's website at www.kokodapress.com.au for further information. |
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'Giving back to the Track' | |
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Kokoda Memorial Hospital Donation Adventure Kokoda is proud to support village schools and medical centres along the Kokoda track. On our July fundraising trek we raised $21,000 which meant we were able to donate $10,000 to the Kokoda Memorial Hospital and $1,000 to each of the village schools along the track for medical supplies - this is the only funding the villages receive for medical supplies. The Kokoda Memorial Hospital struggles to meet the demands of the area and are grateful for any funds they receive. The picture shows John Bellini, NSW MP Tony Stewart, Sister Margaret and Charlie Lynn at the hospital after the presentation of the letter of authority for medical supplies to the value of $10,000.Village School Donations  We also donated $1,000 to each of the village community schools along the track.
Most of the schools along the track are run by their local community and are
quite destitute. Last year Adventure Kokoda worked with the PNG Kokoda Track
Authority to establish accounts for each village school at Theodist Stationary
and School Suppliers in Port Moresby. The funds we raise were transferred
through the PNG Kokoda Track Authority to each account and local teachers are
then authorised to draw against the accounts. We do not allow any cash to be
distributed. This year the funds we raised have been allocated for musical
instruments for the students.RSL Girl In A Million Quest  Adventure Kokoda sponsored Miss Leica Burley to trek across Kokoda as part of her fundraising effort for the Queensland RSL Girl in a Million Quest. The purpose of the annual quest is to raise funds for veterans welfare. Leica, a 24 year old school teacher from Brisbane, joined our July trek and raised more than $10,000 for her effort.As she walked in the footsteps of the brave across the track Leica gained a valuable insight into the worthiness of her cause - she certainly did the diggers proud! It was a great initiative and we were proud to be able to support her in this worthy cause for our veterans. Legacy Fundraising Trek  Adventure Kokoda were proud to work in partnership with Brisbane Legacy to
sponsor a fundraising trek again this year. The trek was organised and led by
Major Chad Sherrin MM. Chad is a Vietnam war hero who was awarded the Military Medal for bravery during his tour of duty. He is now the development officer for Brisbane Legacy.Adventure Kokoda agreed to provide a discount to those who committed to raise at least $1000 for Legacy. Chad has advised that his Legacy trekkers raised more than $50,000 as a result of this arrangement. Adventure Kokoda will be conducting two Legacy treks led by Chad in 2007 - our goal is to raise $100,000 for Legacy which is committed 'to standing behind the loved ones left behind those who give their lives to serve our country - and defend our freedom'. Both Charlie Lynn and Chad Sherrin are Legatees. Click here to find more about Legacy. Westmead Children's Hospital Earlier this year Charlie Lynn received a letter from Mrs Renee Kennedy seeking sponsorship for a trek across Kokoda. She wrote:  ''I am mother of a 22 month old daughter who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia on 31st August 2005. We travel down to the Children's Hospital at Westmead for her Chemotherapy treatment. Shortly after she was diagnosed and we were home from hospital I was watching ''Getaway' with David Reyne walking the Kokoda Trail. I thought how amazing and difficult it would be to do it but how rewarding and how proud you be to be Australian.''After a few months of thinking I decided I would like to walk but I would like to also somehow fundraise for the Oncology Unit at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Then my plan hatched itself. Why don't I get sponsors from local business' and donations from the Central Coast community, so I can face the hughest challenge of my life, like my daughter. 'This is why I am writing to you. I would like Adventure Kokoda to donate a fully paid package for the Kokoda Trail. This would be greatly appreciated as I would like to raise $20,000 to $30,000 and by Adventure Kokoda donating a package I would be able to concentrate on reaching my target . . .'  Charlie met with Renee and agreed to sponsor her on a trek led by John Nalder in
August. In her letter at the end of the journey Renee wrote:I honestly feel now that there is always a positive in a negative situation and my daughter and I now have a bond that we never had before. This feeling of always looking on the bright side and finding a positive was reinforced in me when I was walking The Kokoda Track. . . . Click here to read Renee's report of her trek. Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets Chris Standing and Peter Phillips had been arrested during the Macquarie Fields Riots in Sydney. They were later employed by Father Chris Riley to provide some 'positive' leadership as Youth Workers in the area. I met them on a program run by the Macquarie Fields Police at the Buxton Aboriginal Camp and invited them to join me on a trek. They both took up the offer and completed the trek in October. The physical challenge didn't concern them as they are both physically fit and tough. They are great mates and were inseparable during the trek. They connected to the spirit of the trek and found it easy to mix with the PNG Carriers on the trek - everytime we stopped for a break they sat with them to share a smoke and a yarn. By the halfway mark they were learning some words in Pidgin and Motu - it was great to observe the natural camaraderie they all shared.  They are both a credit to Father Chris Riley and to the spirit of Kokoda - and the recent letter we received from them is payment if full - and more! After we arrived home I received a call from Matt McLellan who had completed an earlier trek with the Tattersalls Club in Sydney. He advised me that the companies he worked for often had vacancies and would like to offer some employment opportunities to Chris, Peter and their mates from Macquarie Fields. We are now arranging for a meeting with Father Chris to work out a system to bring it together. That's what the spirit of Kokoda is all about! |
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NEW: The Kokoda Trust | |
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Adventure Kokoda has established a Kokoda Trust account to support ongoing educational, health and sporting initiatives for Koiari and Orokaiva people from along the Kokoda track. These initiatives include: The Adventure Kokoda Scholarship Program  The Port Moresby Grammar School is known as 'the school of opportunity' or
school of 2nd chance'. The school provides educational opportunities for PNG
students who have the ability and the motivation to achieve but do not have the
money to pay their fees. Charlie Lynn has held a number of meetings with the
Executive Officer of the school, Mr Russel Wilkes, and they have developed a
bursary system which will allow trekkers to sponsor a student. The School has agreed to provide a liaison officer to manage the bursary program
and provide feedback to donors. Bursaries will be named after individual donors or veterans and will recorded on an honour board at the school and on their new website when completed, for example: . The Patreece King Kokoda Bursary; or . The Corporal John Metson Memorial Bursary The cost of a bursary which will educate one student for one year is: . Kokoda Preparatory Bursary: $2,500 . Kokoda Primary Bursary: $3,150 . Kokoda Secondary Bursary: $3,950  Further details of the program will be advised in mid-January after a meeting
with Charlie Lynn and the school administrators in Port Moresby.Kokoda School Sponsorships Elementary and community schools along the track operate on a self-help basis and do not receive any government funding. Primary schools do not fare much better with only teachers wages being paid. Adventure Kokoda has worked with the PNG Kokoda Track Authority to establish an account for each school at the main school supplier in Port Moresby (Theodist) and they are allowed to draw supplies up to the limit of their individual account. In 2007 our goal is to raise $2,500 for each of the following schools:  . Sogeri High School . Iaowari High School . Popondetta High School . Sogeri Primary School . Kokoda Primary School . Kovello Community School . Alola Community School . Abuari Community School . Kovovo Primary School . Efogi Primary School . Menari Primary School . Nauro Community School . Vesulogo Community School Trekkers will be invited to either sponsor a school, get their company/community a school, or make a donation towards a school. Details will be advised in a special in our next niusleta in mid-January 2007. Kokoda Medical Programs  Adventure Kokoda will continue to provide medical support in the form of
supplies for village medical centres and the Kokoda Hospital. Our objective in 2007 is to raise $1,000 the each of the following village medical
centres: . Nauro . Menari . Efogi . Kagi . Naduri and $10,000 for the Kokoda Hospital We intend to raise these funds through our Kokoda Reunion Dinner in August 2007 and through individual and corporate donations. Details how you can help will be advised in our next niusleta. |
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Mining threat on the Kokoda track | |
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 We had always thought it would be inconceivable for any Australian company to ever contemplate the desecration of such an iconic piece of ground as the Kokoda track.About five years ago survey pegs appeared on the southern side of the Maguli Range leading out of Ofi Creek. The significance of the pegs became apparent when a mining camp was established to the west of the track at Ofi Creek and tracts of land were cleared. Not long after Ofi Creek became polluted and it was not safe to drink from what was one of the most pristine creeks along the track. Soon after a scar appeared on the eastern side of the track as an exploratory mine was established. This activity created a great deal of angst and Prime Minister Howard dispatched a team to Port Moresby to investigate the issue. The mining company, Frontier Resources, has since met with Warren Bartlett of the Kokoda Track Authority to advise him of their plans. We are hopeful that any plans the company has for mining in the area do not impinge on the track and that they continue to liaise with the Kokoda Track Authority. |
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Landowner Threat to Trekking in 2007 | |
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The following article in the Post Courier on Friday, 15 December 2006 is typical of the type of issues managed by the PNG Kokoda Track Authority on a regular basis: 'Disgruntled landowners are threatening to close the Kokoda Track to all trekking operations next year unless the National Government honours its commitments to the landowners. 'The landowners say the National Government had set up the Kokoda Track Special Purpose Authority (KTSPPA) as a prerequisite for the opening of the Kokoda Track to the public when it was closed some years ago. However, the National Government does not fund the authority making it difficult for it to implement programs along the Kokoda Track. 'This has resulted in discontentment among the people living in and outside the track area. There are now also politicians and Koiari local level governments who are planning to block the Kokoda Track Authority 2007 budget from being passed in the assembly, saying KTSPPA is not doing what it was set up to do. 'As required under the LLG Act of 1995, the track authority is to submit its budget to the LLG assembly for its endorsement. 'When its budget is blocked, this will further derail the authority's efforts to perform its functions. 'The landowners said people were being misled that the Government was pumping a lot of money into the authority but it was not doing its work. They said the authority was a vehicle for participation of landowners and other stakeholders to interact on issues of concern for the long-term-development and sustainability of the Kokoda Track and the proportion of the World War 11 legacy'. A response from Mr Warren Bartlett to the article outlines the facts in regard to the operation of the PNG Kokoda Track Authority. The letter outlines the benefits that have accrued to landowners along the track and to the PNG economy in regard to the increased numbers of trekkers coming to Kokoda. It also details some of the challenges they face in properly managing the track with the limited resources they currently have. Click here to read the response of the PNG Kokoda Track Authority to the article published in the Post Courier newspaper. Notwithstanding this the landowner have a point. When the Kokoda Track Authority was first established we explored the possibility of the Australian government funding a Chief Executive Officer for a period of three years until the organisation was established. Unfortunately our 'politically correct' procedures did not allow the new authority to select the most appropriate person for the job. We were advised that the position would have to be advertised throughout Australia and the locals would have no input into the selection process. The new Kokoda Track Authority therefore decided to appoint Warren Bartlett to the position. This made a lot of sense as Warren is a former Australian 'kiap' or Patrol Officer, and has been in PNG for the more than 40 years. Warren's performance in guiding the new Board of the Kokoda Track Authority through the establishment process has vindicated the judgment of those who made the appointment. The down side of the appointment was that Warren's salary and cost of establishing and running an office in Port Moresby has to be paid from trek fees. This means there is less money available to distribute for village projects that will deliver shared benefits to local communities. The situation is currently being addressed by the PNG Sustainable Foundation, the World Bank, AusAID and PNG Tourism and we are confident that funding will be made available to allow the Kokoda Track Authority to operate more effectively. Click here to read a media release issued by Charlie Lynn on the issue. The proposal for a sustainable agricultural development on the track - see following story - and other initiatives should help ameliorate the concerns of landowners as we strive to ensure that benefits from the emerging trekking industry are shared equally for the benefit of all communities along and adjacent to the track. |
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Sustainable Agricultural Development Proposal for Kokoda | |
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 During our development of a strategic plan for the Kokoda track I invited
Mr Sandy Lawson to join one of our workshops in Kokoda with a view to making some recommendations for village scale sustainable agricultural development. Sandy is an agricultural scientist with extensive experience in Melanesia. He has previously worked with Koiari people and is fluent in both Pidgin and Motu.Sandy's involvement is timely as the rapid increase in trekker numbers has placed stress on village agriculture and on the availability of local men to work the gardens. Sandy has recently completed a proposal for funding to allow him to work with Koiari and Orokaiva people in developing sustainable agricultural projects along the track. I have forwarded this proposal to the Director General of AusAID with a strong recommendation for Sandy's proposal to be funded as part of our Aid program. Click here to read Charlie Lynn's letter of support for Sandy Lawson's submission to AusAID Click here to read the submission for a sustainable agricultural development proposal for the Kokoda track by Sandy Lawson BSc. |
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Submission to the Australian Senate re Seasonal Labour | |
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 During the year a Senate Committee was established to examine the demand for
seasonal work in Australia. I made a submission to the committee in regard to seasonal work for PNG citizens. Australia currently has agreements with 36 countries regarding seasonal work but none with PNG. I have been told that it is easier for a PNG citizen to obtain a temporary work visa in London than in Brisbane. I have previously met with senior government Ministers in PNG over this issue and it is one that rankles with them. I have also met with PNG university staff and students who are desperate to find any sort of employment that will assist them to finish their studies. Last year I was advised that more than 70 university students lived under trees on the campus because they could not afford accommodation. Anybody who has trekked Kokoda and gained first-hand experience of the commitment our Carriers give to their trekkers will be at a loss to understand why we continue to refuse them access to our farms for seasonal work. Click here to view Charlie Lynn's submission to the Australian Senate |
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Minister for Melanesia! | |
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 Most trekkers who complete Kokoda feel betrayed by our education systems and our
arts/film industries. They feel we should know far more about our military
history and the sacrifices made for the peace and prosperity we enjoy in
Australia today. Our national awareness of Melanesia also leaves much to be desired. Since independence was granted to PNG in 1975 we have drifted apart as Australia adopted a 'hand's off' role and subcontracted their political responsibility for providing development assistance to a bureaucracy, AusAID. The Howard Government has recently changed this approach and instituted an aid policy tied to specific projects. The Howard Government is also demanding more accountability from PNG in regard to our aid funds. This is causing some angst in our relationship with PNG and whilst our objectives might be noble our recent actions in banning PNG Ministerial visits and refusing PNG citizens access to seasonal work are not helpful. There is a strong argument for a Minister for Melanesia to be established within government to address our long term relationship with our neigbours in the region. Click here to read an article written by Charlie Lynn for The Australian newspaper on this issue. |
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2007 Kokoda Reunion Dinner - 25 August 2007 | |
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 The 2007 Kokoda Reunion Dinner will be held at Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney on Friday, 25th August 2007 - the 65th anniversary of the battle for Isurava. The next day we will plan a reunion trek across the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway at Concord after the 65th Anniversary Service - see following item. Our 2006 reunion dinner was an outstanding success with trekkers flying in from as far afield as Perth and Darwin. We raised $3000 on the night in support of a single mothers home being established in Port Moresby by Dame Carol Kidu MP, the PNG Minister for Community Development. Dame Carol is a tireless worker for the disadvantaged in PNG and is establishing this home to provide a refuge for single mothers and their children who have been affected by the AIDS epidemic sweeping the country. Put these dates in your diary: . Friday, 25th August 2007 for the Kokoda Reunion Dinner; and . Saturday 26th August for the service at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway We will send out invitation and RSVP details early in the New Year. |
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Isurava: 65th Anniversary Memorial Service | |
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 A memorial service is to be held at The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway to
commemorate the 65th anniversary of the battle for Isurava.The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is a unique tribute to the bravery of Australian troops who fought through atrocious conditions and against vastly superior enemy numbers in the Papua-New Guinea campaign of July 1942-January 1943. With US support the Australians inflicted on the Japanese Imperial Army its first defeat. The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway covers more than 800 metres from Rhodes Station to Concord Hospital in Sydney's inner-west, and runs along the mangrove-studded shores of Brays Bay on the Parramatta River. At the centrepiece are magnificent granite walls bearing photographic images of the campaign; there are 22 stations or plaques along the walkway, each describing a significant place or engagement; the walkway has been planted with lush tropical vegetation simulating the conditions of The Kokoda Track. On this site you will see and hear descriptions of the campaign, with photographs, interviews and maps; there are links to Oral Histories and War Memorial sites; there is an Educational Resource section, a Calendar of annual events taking place at the Walkway, and a link to the Friends of Kokoda. |
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Angels of Kokoda | |
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 Angels of Kokoda is a riveting novel based on Australian battles along the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea during World War II. The story centres on the intertwined lives of Derek, the son of Australian missionaries at the Gona Mission, and his 'blood-brother' Morso, a native Papuan boy of the same age. When all women and children are ordered back to Australia, Derek and Morso disappear into the jungle. At the same time that the Japanese land at Gona, the two boys and Derek's father become part of the small band of Diggers who save Australia from Japanese invasion. In Angels of Kokoda, racism, death and terrifying savagery go hand in hand with heroism, compassion, humour beyond belief and a mateship which has no equal. And no story about this hugely significant time and place in our history could be complete without the full story of the grace and dedicated loyalty of the famous 'Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels'. Exquisitely written and meticulously researched by author David Mulligan, this is a breathtaking book for readers of all ages. |
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Kokoda Movie - A disappointment | |
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 Expectations for the first Kokoda movie were always going to be high - particularly for those who remember the impact of Peter Weir's 'Gallipoli' 25 years ago.After watching the movie I felt it was not deserving of such an iconic name. A number of veterans I have spoken to expressed the same sentiments. They had hoped the first movie of Kokoda would tell the story of the campaign - the impact of the strategic conflict between Churchill, Curtin, Macarthur and Blamey; the battles of Kokoda, Isurava, Brigade Hill, Ioribaiwa Ridge, Templeton's Crossing and Eora Creek and the extraordinary achievements of our militia and AIF battalions. They also hoped the campaign would be put in a proper context in regard to the psychological impact of defeating the hitherto invincible Japanese army in the jungle. This was best expressed by Field Marshal Sir William Slim of Burma who declared that 'we must never forget that it was the Australians who first broke the spell on invincibility of the Japanese.' Unfortunately the movie turned out to be little more than a low budget flick on on a lost patrol. One can only assume the movie was motivated more by the prospect of a quick profit from the use of the name 'Kokoda' rather than a desire to tell the story of the campaign. The only nomination the movie received in the recent Australian Film Industry Awards was in the 'best costume design' category - which means that the view of the industry reflected that of the diggers! Our Kokoda veterans deserved better. |
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Climb Mt Wilhelm - trek the Black Cat | |
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 I have climbed Mt Wilhelm on two occasions and found it to be an exhilarating experience. The journey took me through the JK Museum in Goroka, to Asari to meet the Mudmen, through burial caves in the Chimbu gorge, to the roof of PNG and then to Mt Hagen. My plan at the time was to lead expeditions to the Highlands but my commitment to Kokoda and my entry to politics did not allow me any opportunity to do this. I have recently met with Pam Christie of PNG Trekking who I thoroughly recommend for anybody wishing to add to their adventures in PNG. I have known of Pam for a number of years and have been impressed with her modus operandi in PNG - she and husband are long term residents of PNG and are well qualified and equipped to guide trekkers to the top of the country.  Mt Wilhelm is the highest mountain in Papua New Guinea at 4500metres/14,790 feet. The mountain is named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and was first climbed in the mid 1930's. It covers an area of about 100 sq km/40 sq miles. To the North is a steep drop off to the Ramu Valley (from over 4,000m/13,200 ft) to less than 600m/2,000 ft in only 13 km. Its steep glacial valleys were carved out during the last ice-age (the Pleistocene period - approximately 10,000 years ago) - the interface between the grassland and the forest marks the snow line from this period.The mountain caps the watershed of the four biggest river systems in PNG - the Ramu, Sepik, Fly and Strickland. On a clear day you can see the north and south coast of PNG. The experience takes in Goroka (capital of Eastern Highland Province), Kundiawa, the Asari Mudmen, the Simbu Gorge, the Pindaunde Lakes, Mt Wilhelm and Mt Hagen (the capital of Western Highlands Province). A good time to plan a trek to Mt Wilhelm is around the Goroka or Mt Hagen shows. These are magnificent cultural displays with some of the most exhilarating sing-sings you will ever hear. Pam also leads expeditions across the wartime Black Cat Track which I understand is not as long as Kokoda but which is much tougher going in places!. Details of Pam's expeditions can be found at www.pngtrekking.com.pg story body in here... |
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Tufi Dive Resort | |
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 The Tufi region is an undiscovered Mecca for diving enthusiasts. Blessed with unequalled marine diversity, an unspoiled pristine environment, and untouched WW11 historical dive sites, Tufi is the ultimate dive destination.  Tufi Diver Resort is perched on the flanking slopes of Mt Trafalgar overlooking sheer rock faces that plunge into an enclosed picturesque fjord draped in exotic rainforest to the waters edge.The resort is built in traditional style and accommodates up to 24 guests comfortably with all the trappings of less remote locations. Tufi is the ideal place to rest your body and mind after an arduous trek across Kokoda. Click here for more information on Tufi Dive Resort. |
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Kokoda Trail Souvenir Wall Map | |
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 Over the years I have searched for a map of Kokoda that put the track into perspective. Unfortunately the only ones that exist are army topographical contour maps and a variety of sketch maps. I therefore decided to record the heights of the various features during my treks and record their indigenous names. I then engaged a cartographer to download satellite images of the track and include the data I had collected, including wartime sketches from the Australian War Memorial, on it. We also embedded the Australian Army rising sun badge and an image of the Isurava War Memorial are embedded in the mountains. The words etched in the granite pillars of the memorial: 'Courage - Mateship - Sacrifice - Endurance' are watermarked in the sky as a solemn reminder of the qualities displayed by our diggers and the 'fuzzy-wuzzy angels' during the Kokoda campaign in 1942. The result is a large colour poster map of the Kokoda Trail which can be framed as a souvenir of your trek. The words etched in the granite pillars of the memorial: 'Courage - Mateship - Sacrifice - Endurance' are watermarked in the sky as a solemn reminder of the qualities displayed by our diggers and the 'fuzzy-wuzzy angels' during the Kokoda campaign in 1942. The result is a large colour poster map of the Kokoda Trail which can be framed as a souvenir of your trek. To order your map, go to http://www.kokodatreks.com/index.cfm and click on the 'Kokoda Map' tab. Lukim yu nekstaim niusleta, Hepi Trekking Charlie Lynn  |
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Some Useful PNG Links | |
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Government: PNG Online Government: www.pngonline.gov.pg Media: Post Courier: http://www.postcourier.com.pg/ The National: www.thenational.com.pg PNG Gossip: http://www.pnggossip.com/ The Pacific Magazine: http://www.pacificislands.cc/ Tourism: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority: http://www.pngtourism.org.pg/ PNG Tourism Industry Association:http://www.pngtia.com/ PNG Divers Association: http://www.pngdive.com/index.php South Pacific Tourism Organisation: http://www.spto.org/ PNG Trekking Adventures: http://www.pngtrekking.com.pg/ Morobe Tourism Bureau (Lae): http://www.tourismmorobe.org.pg/ East New Britain Tourism Bureau: http://www.eastnewbritain.com/ East Sepik Culture & Tourism: http://www.lastfrontierarts.com.pg/sepik/ Madang Visitors & Culture Bureau: http://www.madangtourism.com/ Milne Bay Tourism Bureau: http://www.milnebaytourism.gov.pg/ Melanesian Tourist Services: http://www.mtspng.com/ Sepik Adventure Tours: http://www.ambuntilodge-sepiktour.com.pg/ Haus Poroman Adventure Tours: http://www.hausporoman.com.pg/ Trans Niugini Tours: http://www.pngtours.com/ Tufi Dive Resort: http://www.tufidive.com/ Loloata Dive Resort: http://www.loloata.com/ Accommodation: Airways Hotel: http://www.airways.com.pg/ Crowne Plaza: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/pompg?& Ela Beach Hotel: http://www.coralseahotels.com.pg/ Gateway Hotel: www.coralseahotels.com.pg The Islander: www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/pomih Airlines: Air Niugini: www.airniugini.com.pg Airlines PNG: http://www.apng.com/ Business: PNG Business & Tourism Directory: http://www.pngbd.com/ Art & Artefacts: Niugini Art: http://www.niuginiarts.com/ PNG Bilums: http://www.tribal-artifacts.com/png-gallery/bilums.html |
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