Our Staff
Wayne and Michelle Wetherall runs our Australian office and operation along with Helen Adams.
Wayne, Michelle and the Kokoda Spirit team is passionate about the Kokoda Track, the Australian history, the people and the culture of the people along the track.
Kokoda Spirit has offices in both Queensland and Port Moresby. This allows us to provide you with local contacts in Australia, while our strategically based Port Moresby office provides all the advantages of local knowledge and local infrastructure. This support network ensures your trekking adventure is enjoyable and trouble free.
Michelle Wetherall is the boss of Kokoda Spirit, her enthusiasm; organisation and administration skills ensure that all facets of the business run smoothly and that clients are kept up to date with the latest information. She has a wealth of knowledge about the Kokoda Track and travels frequently to PNG. Michelle is the coordinator between the operations and administration ensuring that all goes well for the trek.
Julie Elliott is the marketing & promotions manager of Kokoda Spirit, and a keen trekker. She has so far enjoyed trekking in New Zealand, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea, Scotland & Borneo. Julie will be able to help you with inquires about your next adventure. She is available for group presentations to discuss all aspects of your trek, from what gear to take to how much training is required.
Both Michelle and Julie can assist with your trekking and adventure needs.
Wayne Wetherall has accompanied his Trek Masters and Land Owners on the Kokoda Track and the exploration of the PNG rivers.
They have established strong bonds with the local villagers, setting up trusts to supply much needed supplies of Schoolbooks and equipment. His latest project is Village Spirit, Village Reader and Village Gardener, ensuring that the local communities can continue to grow and develop.
Wayne’s expertise in Business, IT and Tourism provides the professional support and infrastructure to the team in Papua New Guinea. Wayne has been exploring PNG since 2004 and has been instrumental in some of the great discoveries along the track. Wayne has an intimate knowledge and passion for the Australian war history on the track and is our Chief Australian Guide. He has also written a number of stories on the history and his experiences on the track. His enthusiasm and knowledge will give you an insight into the Kokoda Tracks’ history.
Wayne has successfully led exploration treks and tours into Vietnam, Thailand, Borneo China, Germany, Italy and France. Wayne has assisted in opening up the Sandakan track for Tourism in Borneo and Long Tan in Vietnam. Wayne has also successfully climbed Mt Wilhelm in PNG and Mt Kinabalu in Borneo three times including the World’s highest “Via Ferrata”.
Early in 2009, Wayne trained 4 new passionate and knowledgeable Australian guides to meet the increased demands for adventure trekking. They are Brad Adams, Dion Taylor, Max Bernstone and Brian Healey; these guys are passionate about the track and will ensure you have a great trip.
Adrian Koi is also one of the leading Trek Masters along the track. Adrian was also the chief trek leader for Peter Brune who is the Author of “A Bastard of A Place” and “Those Ragged Bloody Heroes” Adrian like all our Trek Masters is first aid trained and has successfully crossed the track 125 times. Our 9 other senior Trek Masters include; Gideon Malawi, Alan Malawi, Frank Bogajaiwa, Sai Abel, Joshua Segi, Noel, Jeffrey, Fred and David have over 780 successful treks across the track between them.
Joyce Kamburi, is our PNG Operations Manager and has trained and worked in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in PNG for over 15 years. Joyce ensures all our logistics and organisational plans run smoothly.
Joyce has a warm friendly personality and will ensure your stay in PNG is enjoyable.
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