Australian Spirit

Australian Spirit Lives on the Kokoda Track.

Not so long ago our national characteristics were clearly identifiable in most Australians and our Diggers.   Courage, endurance, mateship, sacrifice, ingenuity, integrity, teamwork, resilience and the like. Clearly these traits didn’t emerge overnight. They were honed by the challenges our forebears faced in surviving in our remarkable country, with its vast distances, harsh terrain and unpredictable climate. Australians in almost every sector overcame obstacles to build our Nation with a practical and pragmatic approach built up over long periods of hardship. The spirit needed to survive and grow was constantly tested. It produced generations of Australians capable of heroic struggles in their daily lives. 

The recent tragic deaths on the Kokoda Track are a stark reminder of the enormous physical, mental and spiritual challenge that the Kokoda Track is to those that challenge this Australian and PNG Icon. Their sad loss of these adventurers is felt by the thousands of Australians that have trekked the Kokoda Track and is devastating for their family, friends and associates and a reminder of how precious life is. They undertook the challenge of Kokoda in the true Australian spirit and undertook one of the World’s most challenging and inspiring journeys.

It is unfortunate that during these sad times, that a small number of disgruntled, egotistical and ultimately unsuccessful Kokoda track operators, spread misinformation about the Kokoda trekking industry.

The majority of treks across the track are carried out by the 5 largest trekking companies operating on the track, including Kokoda Spirit which is the largest operator on the track. These trekking companies carry advanced communication systems; have public liability insurance, highly trained staff and a comprehensive risk assessment plan. These experienced companies will continue to grow and prosper on the back of their professionalism and recommendations by ultimately successful and happy trekkers.

It is disappointing to hear some operators make outrageous comments and assumptions recently in the press regarding so called safety breaches by other operators, one spokesman for one “expert” operator described the conditions on the track as bad as the diggers had encountered in 1942, this spokesman has never walked the track nor had any idea of the conditions in 1942! This same outspoken trekking operator was still walking his trekkers at midnight to finish their trek! I would have thought this to be extremely dubious and unsafe practice but still he has the audacity to criticise other operators!

Kokoda Spirit had 9 trekking groups on the track a total of 139 trekkers in two different directions and over two different dates during the Anzac period. All treks were led by experienced and professional guides and where extremely successful. All of Kokoda Spirit’s treks were carried out with full permits from the KTA and within the requirements of the Kokoda Track code of conduct. Our trekkers had numerous reasons for trekking Kokoda and all had passed medical examinations.

While further research and study is required to ensure the future of the Kokoda Track is protected, we should not forget that over 30,000 Australians, Papua New Guineans and Japanese walked and fought their way across the Kokoda Track in 1942 and the track survived that onslaught.

It is also important to remember that the people of PNG also derive great benefits from the Kokoda trekking industry. With the development of the trekking industry it has created greater opportunities for the locals along the track, including wages for guides, porters, cooks and logistical staff. Trekking companies pay directly to the villagers, accommodation fees, donations and make local food purchases. The local airlines, bus companies, supermarkets and travel agents all benefit greatly by the income generated by trekkers.                                            A greater benefit to the local community and ultimately PNG is the new sense of pride and self esteem that the locals have; this is due to the new and exciting opportunities that the trekking industry has created in PNG. 

 The Kokoda Track continues to grow strongly with a code of conduct now in place and administered by the Kokoda Track Authority. This authority will ensure that all Kokoda Track operators adhere to the regulations.  

I was a prominent member of the committee formed in 2008 by the Kokoda Track trekking Operators to formulate a Kokoda Track Code of Conduct. This committee was facilitated by Sandy Hollway on behalf of the Australian Government. This code of conduct clearly lays out the responsibilities of the trekking companies. Rod Hillman CEO of the Kokoda Track Authority has this to say; “My understanding is that the committee setup to write the code of conduct has done its task and is now finished. The review at the end of the season will need to be undertaken but I am unaware of any decision about whom or how this will be undertaken”. Mr Hillman goes onto say; The Management Committee of the KTA wants the issue of carrying capacity/sustainability explored. At this stage there is no regulation as to group size or departures but it would seem logical this is an issue that will be fleshed out as a part of the code of conduct review at the end of the season.

The following is extracts from the Kokoda Track Code of Conduct for 2009

VISION

The Kokoda Track will be a premier tourism destination, catering for the requirements of a niche tourist market to experience the adventure, historical, environmental, cultural and social features of PNG, in a sustainable manner.

TOUR OPERATORS AGREE TO:

Adhere to Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) rules, guidelines and procedures: for the orderly and sustainable conduct of trekking operations on the track, including any limitations on number of trekkers and payment of fees.      Ensuring individual trekking parties do not exceed the carrying capacity of the Track at any one time, as determined by the KTA.

When I first walked the Kokoda Track with all its obstacles and challenges you feel the aura and spirit of the young men who defeated an enemy, an enemy who had never been conquered, an enemy that had never tasted defeat, they overcame overwhelming odds and atrocious conditions, outnumbered and out gunned their victory was possible due to their trust and respect for each other, their dependence on each other, their ability to never give up, to hang in there when all seemed lost, self belief and strong leadership.

My original journey was a pilgrimage to understand what the Australian Spirit was all about.  The Kokoda Track story is truly a remarkable and incredible story, thousands of Australians will continue to make the pilgrimage, let’s hope they have the opportunity to discover the Australian Spirit, the future prosperity of our country and PNG depends on it.

Let’s stop flogging the Kokoda Trekking companies doing the right thing and focus on the incredible story of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice that reflects the Kokoda Spirit on the Kokoda Track and is the cornerstone of the Australian Spirit.

Wayne Wetherall

CEO Kokoda SpiritVisit http://www.kokodaspirit.com