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Posted January 23, 2009
Kokoda Spirit Coast to
Coast Testimonial
2nd
December 2008
Hi
Wayne,
Having just completed the inaugural Coast to Coast challenge
from Buna to Port Moresby I would like to thank you, Kevin
and Blake, and all the Kokoda Spirit staff – both in
Australia and in PNG for a fantastic, well organised and
unforgettable experience.
As
was commented on during the trek – there are not too many
“firsts” left on this earth to do. To be involves in one of
these “firsts” was an awesome experience.
Please pass on my kind regards and heartfelt thanks to all
concerned in PNG. You certainly have some great staff over
there. Joyce did an amazing job as the advanced party,
organising the support truck, food, drinks etc. Helen and
Charles were great support in Port Moresby. The truck driver
Coleman, did a fantastic job in sometimes very difficult
conditions. A very, very big thankyou must go to the local
trek masters and porters. Their support, encouragement,
friendship, humour and singing made all the difference to a
very difficult physical and mental challenge. They were
there with us from start to finish. Actually I think we
finished with more people then when we started with but who
was counting – that’s PNG.
There
is so much more to PNG than simply walking the Kokoda Track.
The northern region of Buna, Gona and Sanananda has so much
war history that not too many people get to experience. Not
to mention the traditional dancing and the friendliness of
the local people. I am sure some of the locals were thinking
“who are these crazy people riding their bikes in this
heat”!!
Walking the Kokoda Track is a wonderful experience and a
fantastic way to remember and pay respects to the diggers
that gave so much for the way we live today. Exploring the
Buna, Gona and Sanananda area only enhances to this
experience.
I
would certainly recommend to anyone to walk (actually it’s a
climb up, stumble, fall, get up again, slip, and climb down,
then start all over again) the Kokoda Track. For those that
do take up the challenge of the track, you should seriously
consider adding a visit to the northern region. You will not
be disappointed.
For
those not fortunate enough to contemplate the track – the
northern region alone would provide a war history and PNG
cultural experience, in relative comfort.
Thanks again for an unforgettable trip. What else have you
got to offer – I’m ready for the next adventure?
Regards
Mick
Turner
Posted December 11, 2008
Hello again Wayne,
The 9 day “meander” along the track run by “Kokoda Spirit”
this last October 2008 was the most satisfying personal
physical achievement I have ever undertaken. It was also an
emotionally stirring event on a personal and historical
level. The group was a diverse one and I can safely say that
we bonded well. The porters were professional and remarkable
in their anticipation of the trekkers “imminent fall”. They
were also extremely impressive in the way they made the
trekkers safety their priority. Also impressive was the way
they were able to scurry along the foot bridges and run up
the hills at times in order to get to camp ahead of the
group to set up for us, this made the trek so much easier
for us. Brigade Hill and Isurava memorial services organised
by Max Bernstone and the porters singing will always bring a
tear to my eye. Max Bernstone, Kokoda Spirit leader on the
track, was professional, informative, calm, and
approachable, had a great sense of humour and had an
excellent rapport with the porters. I have recommended your
company “Kokoda Spirit” to others wanting to undergo the
track. Thank you for organising a great adventure.
We owe the diggers that fought and died in Kokoda
everything.
Finally, to plagiarise John Kurko (the no fall trekker),
‘Anzac Day will never be the same again”. …..
Thanking you.
Remo Lapedota
Posted December 4, 2008
Wayne,
We recently completed a 6 day trek on the 3rd Oct 2008.
Firstly I would like to thank you and your staff for
creating a great & unforgetable experience for David & I.
Our track master Duffy (David), did a great job, and made
sure we were well looked after & entertained from the day we
arrived in Port Moresby, on the track, and also up until we
left PNG.
We could not have received better guidance, care, or
assitance from the whole of the team Duffy, John, Andy, &
P.J. We think they are all great blokes, and had many good
laughs with them along the way, and also in Port Moresby.
We would also like to thank Gidian for organising a music
concert for us when we passed their group towards the end of
the trek, it was totally unexpected.
We would thoroughly recommend Kokoda Spirit to friends &
family.
Please pass our positive feedback onto Duffy, John, Andy, &
P.J.
* PS. The food on the track was great!
Regards,
John Petzke
Director | balmaincommercial | Brisbane Office
Posted October 31, 2008
Wayne,
I trust that you and your family had a great experience on
the track. I arrived back in oz last Wednesday, after
completing the track with the other 22 Heart Foundation
Challengers. It was nice to have a chance to say hello to
you at our lunch break early through our Kokoda experience.
I'd just like to take the opportunity to thank Kokoda
Spirit, and the local guy's. I had a terrific time, in fact
the whole group seemed to get allot out of the trek. I have
to say that the porters (both general and personal) that we
had on our trek were amazing. I didn't have a personal
porter but the boys are so professional in their approach
and take pride in their work. Sia and Matse (excuse the
spelling) coordinate the boys like they are conducting an
orchestra and I can not praise them enough for the care
effort that they put into the 9 day journey. Loddy, Dominic
Robinson, Toua, Johnny K, Casey have all made the journey a
special one. These guys come to mind but the porters as a
whole (sorry not to have remembered all their names) ensured
that all of the trekkers including myself had a really
positive experience on the Kokoda Track. An experience that
I'll remember for a lifetime.
I have to say that whilst the emotional and spiritual
connection to the the Track, the Diggers efforts in 1942 and
the people of PNG was far more than I would have ever
expected, the actual walking and the Track however was
easier than I anticipated. I would put that down to the
brilliant work of Matse, Sai, and the boys - setting the
pace, reducing the risks and taking the care to support
every one over the nine days. Max and Sai for the briefings
and historical interpretation of the sacred place, and to a
lesser degree some preparation before setting off (Not to
mention a good set of poles).
So if you get a chance thank the boys for me, I had a
brilliant (Fall Free) trip - ANZAC day will never be the
same again.
Thankyou,
John Kurko
Physical Activity Program Manager
Heart Foundation
To: Kokoda Spirit - Highest
Commendation!
Dear Wayne & Michelle,
I want to express my sincere thankfulness for such a well
organised, highly reputable and extremely divine overall
trek experience!
My needs and expectations were more than met. I was well
looked out for, evenly matched with my angelic personal
porter Steven Ambrose, and the memories priceless. I will be
forever in the debt of our porters who were kind, generous
and legend singers. Not a moment passed when they were not
happily laughing or singing us into the next 5 minute break
or village stop-over. Every meal prepared was delicious,
nutritious and plentiful. No words can justify my admiration
for the Papua New Guinean guides, personal porters, general
porters, local villager's and staff at the Gateway hotel. I
was made very welcome and learnt so much in my short stay in
Papua New Guinea thanks to these wonderfully warm and
friendly people. Not once did I ever feel threatened or in
danger in any way; both on the track and in Port Moresby,
and a special commendation has to go to the ever vigilant
security at the Gateway Hotel who were obviously upheld in
their positions and even cast a watchful eye over us while
we browsed the local paintings across the road from the
Gateway Hotel.
My expression of thanks must mostly go to Denis Nicol
however, because he was the brightly burning lantern that
cast light on the history of all the Kokoda Track and I have
made a promise to do the trek again before he retires just
so I can learn more. I will be recommending Denis to
friends, family and complete strangers in the street. This
man is a walking encyclopaedia and his enthusiasm for this
particular battle is unparalleled by any other. I believe he
is the all Australian Historian paradigm and anyone would be
hard pressed to challenge this man in regards to his
commitment to his trekkers and to getting them all to the
end post safe, learned and deeply accomplished in self.
Denis is unselfish, inspiring, compassionate,
extraordinarily patient and above all else a true pleasure
to listen to and be in the company of. For me, Denis made
this trek what it was - a complete success story! I
especially wish to commend him on his services to all the
Australian soldiers for keeping their story alive and for
taking the time out at Brigade Hill to conduct a moving and
reflective memorial service that allowed us as a group to
share thoughts and poems and our sincerest respects to the
ANZACS and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. I can not thank Denis
enough for his seemingly effortless ventures. I have already
just today recommended Kokoda Spirit, and in particular
Denis Nicol, to a shop assistant in Coolangatta and I expect
to be passing on this golden information for years to come.
Denis...Thank you!
Others that must be personally thanked;
Frank, you were peaceful and respectful in everything you
did. So much thought and effort put into selecting personal
porters and organising the trek. Thank you!
Sai, (sorry if the spelling is incorrect), a true warrior
leader with the stealth and navigation of a thousand
generations. Privileged to follow in your footsteps. Thank
you!
John, Justin's personal porter, dark horse of exceptional
knowledge of both Track and Native flora and fauna, and
largest smile of happiness. Thank you!
Billy, quiet achiever and human metal detector - I would
deliberately follow this man to collect the bullets, which
Justin did get back to Australia. Thank you!
Lyon, wild child, trouble maker and technician! Entertainer
extraordinaire! Great singer, and then most funniest person
on earth. Thank you!
Matthew, push-up king. Luke, gentle giant. And the ex-soccer
player (who's name eludes me I'm sorry), who warmed our
limbs before every days start with exercises and warmed our
hearts with the Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie Ow Ow Ow cry throughout
the entire trip. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And last but certainly not least, my warmest thanks go to
Steven my personal porter who cared for me as if I was a
precise stone entrusted in his care. Without this man I
would not have made this trek and I owe Steven my life and
the experiences I know have to share with my future
children. I highly recommend this personal porter and I can
incredulously report that I did not fall over once on this 9
day trek - all because of Steven. He gave me understanding
of the great relief and admiration the Australian soldiers
must have felt when helped out by the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.
Steven will always be my angel. Thank you!
And for the general porters and for all the rest of the crew
who I wish I could have had more time to get to know, they
also get my kindest regards and muchly appreciated Thanks
for all their hard work and great cooking and happy spirits.
Thank you!
I had a wonderful time and can't wait to do it again. I will
recommend this trip to everyone I meet and I hope that this
letter is widely distributed to all the people who helped to
make our trip so great so that they realise how much of a
difference that they really make.
Congratulations on such a good job well done to all.
Sincerely,
Cherry-Anne Fosberry.
Posted October 13, 2008
Dear Wayne and Michelle,
After successfully completing the Kokoda Trek I feel I
should contact you both personally to pass on a few
thoughts.
Firstly, it was great to meet you both out on the track and
again at the hotel.
Thank you for the opportunity that Kokoda Spirit offers
people to safely complete an extraordinary trek. Looking
back, it is a difficult and dangerous trek that is put
within the reach of ordinary people by your company and its
employees.
I must commend to you Joshua, Martin and the other “Buna
Boys” who looked after us so well. If this group is not your
best porters then you have some brilliantly outstanding
people working for you. The guys gave us the confidence to
keep going and I can say that we never felt in any danger or
that we would not successfully complete the trek. We started
as a group, trekked as a group and finished as a group.
I followed closely behind Martin for the whole 9 days and I
believed him to be well over 6 foot tall and weigh 100 kgs
plus. Imagine my surprise when we shook hands at the airport
to find him shorter than me and certainly not any where near
100 kgs. His bearing and body language whilst on the trek
made him the “big man” he appeared and certainly the right
kind of person to lead a trek.
If these are the kind of people you entrust your trekkers to
then the reputation of Kokoda Spirit is indeed in good
hands. My recommendation to any one who wants to trek Kokoda
will be to trek with Kokoda Spirit.
Once again, thank you for a fabulous experience and we were
all very lucky to be looked after by the brilliant “Boys
from Buna”.
Wishing you continued success and we will look out for the
information on your foundation.
Best wishes and kind regards
Chris Harvey
Trek – 29 Sept – 8 Oct 2008
Posted September 30, 2008
G'day Wayne and Michelle,
I'd like to take this opportunity to say
thank you for the trek that I recently completed with Sean
and the boys. It was a fantastic experience and one that I
won't forget. Sean was great the entire trip. His love of
the job, the nationals, and the track was plain to see and I
thank him for helping out my friend Lee when he was
struggling! Freddy, Steve, and the boys were awesome and
they really capped off the trip with their friendly nature
and helping hands.
Once again thank you for a great experience and I look
forward to coming back in the near future.
Regards,
David Cowan
Posted September 25, 2008
Kokoda Spirit Team,
Just a brief note to say our party had a fabulous time on
the Kokoda Trail and we are now safely back in Sydney. Fun;
challenging; inspiring; highly emotional; good
companionship; great appreciation for the nationals who
helped us at every turn and also inspired us; and an
enhanced and renewed respect for the diggers who fought
along it, often in hand to hand combat, under appalling and
unbelievable conditions!! Very hard to put it into words,
but Kokoda Spirit really delivered the goods on the ground.
So thank you once again for your assistance in making is
such an enjoyable trip.
Cheers,
Rodney
Posted September 22, 2008
Dear Kevin,
Firstly, my apologies in not having corresponded with you
since getting back. It is amazing how other issues take
precedence once you get back to work.
I would like to say how much Erica Williams and I
appreciated your efforts on our behalf on the recent Kokoda
Track walk. Your contribution lifted it from being simply
any arduous physical effort to being an informed and
sensitive account of a remarkable chapter in Australia's
history. "Kokoda Spirit" provided an excellent experience in
terms of the infrastructure with good food, outstanding
porters and excellent equipment including our tents and
sleeping mats. We felt that we were in capable hands
throughout the expedition.
I had expected the Kokoda Track to be a difficult physical
experience with inhospitable terrain and wet and muddy
conditions. I was not disappointed in this regard. The
physicality of the march exceeded my expectations.
What really surprised me was the emotional involvement which
emerged the further south on the track we marched. I
personally had eskewed the idea of emotional involvement
with the campaign prior to my arriving in New Guinea. I had
no relatives, nor friends, who had been involved in the
fighting. Nevertheless I think it is impossible to be
exposed to the geographical and historical environment of
the Kokoda track without sympathising with the young men who
fought there. I felt that your personal insights into the
campaign, with the knowledge of individual combatants gave
us some small window of awareness of how personally
devastating their battle experience would have been. On
finishing our trip at the Bomana War Cemetery, where one is
confronted with the graves of thousands of young men, many
of them less than twenty, one cannot fail to appreciate the
folly and futility of war.
I must acknowledge that I found this a gut wrenching
revelation which was far more powerful than the physical
fatigue of the march. This has subsequently translated into
an exploration, for me, of literature related to warfare not
so much in the details of the physical conflict but in the
post conflict psychological state which ensues after events
such as Kokoda, the Northern Beaches or in a more
contemporary setting, Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan. The
psychological personal legacy I am sure continues forever
and can only really be understood by those who were there
sharing the terror and the foxhole under fire. How this
translates into subsequent behaviour in life and
interpersonal relationships is impossible to underestimate.
Thank you once again Kevin- you provided us with a very
meaningful experience in many different ways. We valued your
friendship and leadership on the track.
Getting off the Kokoda track and towards the Kimberley's, we
would like to explore the idea of a trip there next year,
either in the Autumn or in the Spring at a time when you
would be personally available to lead a small expedition
including some of those people in our recent group. You
would have insight into the best times for such a trip
whether they would be May or perhaps June or September or
whenever.
We would very much value your response to try to put
together such a trip next year. I have looked at your Wild
Spirit website regarding such a trip.
Best wishes,
Andrew & Erica
Dr Andrew M. Jenkins
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON
Pacific Plastic Surgery Clinic
FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006
Wayne,
Many thanks for arranging such a brilliant, emotional, yet
fun-packed trek! An extraordinary experience on every
level!!
Cheers,
Rodney Inder
Posted September 11, 2008
Kokoda Spirit Team,
On behalf of Myself, Mark Pisani, Danny Lezcano and Colin
Pollock we would like to thank you and your organization for
providing us with an experience that cannot be expressed in
words.
I have read many a book on Kokoda to get an incite prior to
the trip, but nothing can compare to actually doing the
trip.
The professionalism shown by all your staff, from the ground
crew in port Moresby, to the fantastic team leader “MAX”,
who even shed a tear during the services along the way.
Noel and his team of men were very polite and nothing was
too difficult for them, you asked and you received.
The nightly sing along with the porters was fantastic. “
Take me home country roads” will never be the same, In their
words “Big Brother road” and the boys singing there National
Anthem during the services left not a dry eye on the
hardened trekkers.
They say you have to be physically fit to undertake this
experience but I think the mental fatigue is one that should
not be underestimated.
We all returned 4 Kilos lighter, and our feet and legs will
never be the same, A small sample of what the diggers had to
experience is an added bonus.
Once again on behalf of us all thank you.
I would have no hesitation in recommending your organization
to others who wish to partake on this adventure.
Yours Faithfully
Computer Air Services Pty Ltd
David Hoskins
David Hoskins
Managing Director
www.computerair.com.au
Dear Wayne and Michelle,
Just want to advise you that the trek led
by Max was an awesome trip. Words cannot sufficiently
explain what Chris, Grant and myself experienced.
Thank you for the opportunity!
I will highly recommend Kokoda Spirit for
its professionalism and commitment to ensuring a lifetime
experience for all trekkers on the trip.
Kind Regards
John Rawlings
Posted September 2, 2008
Kevin,
I am sure you get these emails all the time especially about
how well things went on your treks but I felt compelled to
just write to express how I am sure all of our group felt.
We all wanted to walk Kokoda for different reasons. Some to
test themselves, others to experience the history, others to
see how hard it was for our troops when they were there,
some to just pay homage to the soldiers that didn't come
back and many for all of these and more reasons. I
originally wanted to test myself but also to see how young
men could fight and win such a bloody conflict. I know we
had it easy, very easy compared to that time and place but
we did get a glimpse of what they had to contend with. It is
very easy to return to your daily grind and forget what this
sort of experience teaches you but I don't think that will
happen this time. Whenever I am thinking of how hard my day
is recently I only have to remember some of the things we
saw and heard on the trail. How good is life today.
K60 Kina to send a child to school and many don't have that
to spend, the descriptions of how the troops had to fight in
muddy, dark and dangerous conditions without food, water and
shelter, how genuinely grateful the PNG people, especially
with our contact with the porters were for a simple gesture
of friendship. We are all the same the world over. We just
want to live in peace, watch our young grow up, have a bit
of fun and live our lives. I know from talking to Rex that
that is all he wanted for his wife and kids.
I found the trip a mixture of emotions. I had some of the
most fun I have had in a long time and I felt somehow
slightly guilty about that. I have started to re-read Peter
Brune's book again and honestly you nearly cry at times when
you read about the stupidity of our leaders back home in
Australia at the times. The soldiers in Kokoda have to have
been some of the most genuinely heroic men Australia or the
world has ever produced.
I have rambled on Kevin but nothing has ever affected me as
much as this. If nothing it puts all my crappy problems in
perspective. They are very, very small compared to the
sacrifices men made back then so I could live such a
fantastic life now. People need to know this because they
don't. I hope we can cross paths again. I have said it
before but I have never been involved in a group experience
such as this where we all got on. I really wish at times we
could just go back and be right in it again. A lot of this
is due to your organisation. No one took that for granted.
We all knew things just didn't happen.
Anyway thanks and hope to see you soon. My shout - now I
know that will come back to haunt me.
Regards,
Ross Stubbs
National Corporate Compliance and Services Manager
Corporate Property & Liability
Vero
Level 9, 60 Margaret Street
Sydney NSW 2000
www.vero.com.au
Posted August 25, 2008
Dear Wayne and Michelle,
On
behalf of Picking Up The Peaces (The new charity group
raising awareness for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for such
an amazing experience. The scenery, the trek itself and the
people were far beyond our expectations. Our group was very
diverse ranging from a 16 year old teenager to Vietnam
veterans, a grandmother, nurses, emergency service and
police personnel, many at different fitness levels. It was
amazing you were able to cater for each and every one of us.
Our
porters went above and beyond their call of duty, filling
water bottles, drying clothes, pitching tents or to catch us
as we nearly fell. They really are angles even today and
their music will forever be etched into our memories.
You
and your Kokoda Spirit team should not only be commended on
your professionalism but also your knowledge and genuine
heart felt passion for the history of the Kokoda Trail. Your
ability to convey this knowledge back to us was very moving,
at times it felt as though we were dropped back in time. Our
group came away feeling very proud of our achievements, but
even prouder to be an Australian. It was a privilege to
walk in the footsteps of our Diggers who sacrificed so much,
an experience each and every one of us we will never forget.
As
part of our annual charity fund raiser, Picking Up The
Peaces we will be trekking Kokoda Trail annually and can’t
possibly wait to organise next years trek with your company.
I would not hesitate to recommend Kokoda Spirit to anyone
considering undertaking this spectacular Journey.
Sincerely Katie Tonacia – Founder of Picking Up The Peaces
for PTSD
www.pickingupthepeaces.org.au  Yeah
we did it!
Posted August 20, 2008
Hi Wayne,
Just wanted to let you know that the Melton Police Team had
a great time on the track back in June. I want to thank you
for setting things up for us and assisting us with all the
arrangements including the extra days at the Gateway Hotel.
Noel and his team were fantastic and went out of their way
to make our experience the best that they possibly could.
Not only guiding us, carrying gear and assisting us over the
rougher spots and river crossings but singing for us of an
evening with the harmonising that only people from the South
West pacific seem to be able to do.
The support from your team, post track, was also great and
the use of the truck was very handy. The guys looked after
us and showed us some of the sights of Port Moresby and
accompanied us on some of our night excursions.
Our team managed to raise just on $40 000 for the Blue
Ribbon Foundation.
On behalf of the team I want to thank you for all your
support and look forward to our next trek to Sandakan.
Regards,
Steve LYON
Senior Constable 34263
Melton Uniform
Dear Wayne and Michelle,
Sorry for taking so long to email you, I have
been flat out since our return and also had a bloody flu
that won’t leave.
I just wanted to say a big thank you for
such a great experience - I have tried to explain it to
others but they just don’t get it.
Attached is a testimonial for you guys to
put on your website if you like and I will also send through
some photos - the orange shirts stand out that’s for sure.
We are starting to put in place next years
trek (we will be better organised as we have leant a few
things along the way) there are about 6 - 8 people busting
to do it already (can we tentatively book the next trek in
for July 2009 - Australian Led -9 days Kokoda to owers. It
would be great if you could lead it again Wayne). It will be
much easier to get people on board now we have the 1st one
under our belt - We will be advertising the trek at this
years charity ball, showing a presentation and taking
deposits - Can you send me some flyers and posters and we
will give Kokoda Spirit a plug at the ball and acknowledge
you as a major sponsor - people can take the brochures home
- We are inviting people from all services - Rural Fire
Service - Paramedics - Fire Brigade SES - AFP etc and also
our Veteran community - so there is a good chance you would
pick up individuals who would like to trek also, especially
after seeing our presentation. I would love dearly if you
both could attend the ball, although I believe you said you
were on the trek at the time - Bugger. Ball date is October
10 at the Museum of Canberra. 7pm
Wayne, I will send through a couple of the
old Photo's I was telling you about , If you come to
Canberra let me know and we can catch up and I can show you
them. Feel free to put them on your website, or wait and
chose others, I would love you to use them - If you do could
put a copy write sign on them and Photo's provided by
Picking Up Peaces, that would great - I don’t want other
trekking companies or anyone for that fact nicking them,
they came from my uncle.
Once again, thank you so much, it really
was a life changing experience for myself and although we
had a few hiccups on the lead up to the trek, it all was
perfect. I would do it again in a heart beat... - in fact I
think I will.
PS there is actually snow falling on the
ground here to day - find my self continually day dreaming
about Kokoda. - I have the Kokoda Blues
Regards
Katie
Will be in touch soon
Posted August 4, 2008
Hi Wayne,
Well we are almost recovered after our amazing time with
you. Thankyou so very much for a most incredible experience.
We are surprised and pleased that we managed to smile and
laugh through every day.....which had a great deal to do
with the people we were with. Your wonderful team,
(especially of course Mobe, my porter!), the beautiful
country and in fact the whole package made what could have
been a difficult challenge into a fun adventure. Of course
it was not easy most of the time, but the positive vibes
amongst the whole team made it less arduous. It's difficult
to explain to our friends what it was really like, and the
photos don't do justice to the magnificence of PNG. But we
have tried, and there are a number of family and friends who
are keen to have a go!!
I have sent you a couple of photos which have made us
laugh....not sure what's going down with you and Bernie, and
we love the tourist shot!
Again, thanks for giving us such a great experience. Your
passion for the track and it's history is lovely to see.
Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Sharon and Bernie Nihill
Posted July 27, 2008
Dear Wayne,
I thoroughly enjoyed the recent trek across Kokoda and
thought it was well organised and led.
In the RAN a ship’s Captain is the ship, and sets the
standard for his ships performance.
Wayne is the ship’s Captain for Kokoda Spirit and has done
an outstanding job. His knowledge of the track and in
particular the battles along the Kokoda Track was excellent.
His positive and warm relationships with his local staff and
landowners and his passion to improve their lives and
protect the heritage value of the Kokoda Track is to be
commended.
His leadership, professionalism and easy mannerism is to be
commended.
Regards,
PETER JONES REAR ADMIRAL, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
Posted July 25, 2008
Hi Wayne and Michelle,
The best Kokoda Trek I have done Wayne since the last one!!!
No really it was a fantastic time and it is amazing the
amount of discussion it has caused since we have returned.
You are getting some very good testimonies so hopefully the
people we all talk to about it decide to trek and do it
through Kokoda Spirit! You really have a great operation and
I was impressed with the way it all comes together. In my
job I do a lot of coordination and event management so I
know how much behind the scenes logistics are needed. You
must handle all that Michelle!
All the guys have now recovered pretty well. A number
including me felt a bit off the 1st week back. I put it down
to the malaria tablets as I have been a million dollars
since I finished taking them.
Thanks again Wayne and Michelle. Be sure to look us up if
ever down this way. I would love to do the trek again one
day so who knows.
Take care and kind regards.
Peter Annis-Brown
Executive Officer
Northern Inland Academy of Sport
Dear Wayne,
In write this letter on the last night of our trek
across the Kokoda Track.
Being a tight bastard, I was originally concerned by the
cost of the trek across Kokoda and the cost of the personal
porter. Having now completed the trek and seen how well
organised it has been, how hard and joyful all the porters
worked, I now believe it was worth every cent.
The “personal porters” were far more than backpack carriers.
They seemed eager to inform trekkers on all aspects of PNG
culture and the history of the Kokoda Track and were always
ready to help and assist around the camp and did just as
much for those with personal porters as for those without.
Wayne was an excellent Kokoda Track Guide and “Boss-Man”. He
seemed to quickly some up the group and give us the correct
amount of encouragement and support and showed outstanding
leadership.
Unlike a lot of other tour leaders, Wayne was not into
showing off or ‘big noting’ himself. He appears to have a
genuine interest in PNG and its connection to Australia and
a passion for the war history of the Kokoda Track. I also
liked the way that Wayne took a personal interest in each
member of the trekking team, their interests and reasons for
coming to Kokoda.
Overall, the trek across Kokoda far exceeded my
expectations. Although it wasn’t as physically challenging
as I expected, I was really forced to review my appreciation
of Army History, Kokoda history, PNG culture and most
importantly, of how really good people think more about
others then they do about themselves.
I never had much interest in Australia’s involvement in PNG
during WW2. I now realise what an amazing and courageous
effort it was!! I also had no appreciation of PNG culture
before this trip.
Speaking to the porters has opened the door to what appears
to be a generous/friendly and peaceful people.
I think Kokoda Spirit is doing a great job in supporting the
PNG local economy, advancing the knowledge of the average
Australian about our PNG WW2 history and maintaining the
heritage value of the Kokoda Track.
Australians should work with PNG to ensure that the Kokoda
Track and its environs are preserved not just for the
success of Kokoda Spirit and the Kokoda people-but because
wonderful pieces of jungle like Kokoda are far more
important then all the tall buildings in New York.
Best Regards
CMDR PETER KELLY, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
Directing Staff, Australian Command and Staff College
Wayne/Michelle,
Thank you for last weeks experience on the Kokoda. It was a
thoroughly enjoyable experience overall.
Sai and his team are an absolute credit to your company and
it is not hard to see why so many people choose Kokoda
Spirit….doesn’t take long for word to get around. I know I
have been singing your company’s praises since I returned.
Attention to detail in the areas of hygiene and safety were
paramount. Sai also showed good leadership and communication
skills along the Kokoda Track.
Granted we were a very small group ( a reward for Sai ?) and
this made it easy to interact with the porters and leaders.
It was particularly pleasing to see your guys move quickly
to the assistance of a member of a rival company when she
nearly fell into the river at Templetons 1. They have the
client first in all facets of the trek.
Good to finally meet
you at last Wayne (upon arrival at APNG terminal). I will
definitely use KS if I walk it again.
On behalf of Kelly, John, Kurt & myself
Andy Cottam
Dear Wayne,
I have just completed the Kokoda Trail with a group of
trekkers including high school students from Nhulunbuy in
the Northern Territory.
Your company is well served by the affable and seriously
athletic Sean and Dennis. Head Trek Master Gideon who
clearly carried the overwhelming responsibility to get us
over the Kokoda Track safely and he carried that
responsibility with a quiet confidence and competence.
One Porter Elijah Autu attached himself to me on day one and
was like a second skin, fetching water, carrying my tent on
occasions and saving me from countless slips and falls.
Others in the group received similar care.
The strength, skill and fitness of the Porters is
outstanding as is their diligence to looking out for each of
the Kokoda Track trekkers and for each other.
The team work and discipline under Gideon is to be admired.
Everyone representing Kokoda Spirit displayed the same high
level of professional behaviour towards us, themselves and
the environment.
The company motto “in
the footsteps of heroes” is also a wonderful testament to
the company-all that was left on the Kokoda Track during our
trek were our footprints. It of course also highlights the
reason to walk the Kokoda Trail, to honour those who must
have done it so tough back in 1942.
Thank you for the experience. I would recommend Kokoda
Spirit as a company to trek with to anyone contemplating
Kokoda.
Yours Sincerely
HON SYD STIRLING MLA
Member for Nhulunbuy NT
Posted July 24, 2008
Dear Wayne,
Our recent Kokoda Track trek was an outstanding adventure,
that exceeded my expectations. My goals when organising this
group was twofold-a physical challenge and a historical
insight into a piece of our countries history.
It was both.
Wayne, your love of PNG, its people, your admiration and
passion for our forefathers that fought on the Kokoda Track
was what made this trek so special. You are an outstanding
Leader. Your knowledge of the campaign is second to none.
Thank you for sharing that with us.
The Porters and support staff are very devoted to you Wayne.
They respect the “big boss”. You treat them very well, and
they looked after us, very, very well.
You are a great man of integrity, whom I would call a
friend! Thank you for a great trek across Kokoda.
Good Luck
Regards,
Mike Galvin
Qantas Airways Captain
Posted July 24, 2008
Dear Wayne,
Thank you for a great trek. It was well organised and
exceeded all of my expectations.
Your leadership and knowledge of the Kokoda Track and its
history was first class.
Congratulations on a job well done.
Regards,
DR David Stevens
Director of Strategic and Historical Studies
Sea Power Centre-Australia. Royal Australian Navy
Posted July 23, 2008
Hi alls...no doubt
everyone is looking at the porcelain in a new light!
Just a quick note to touch base and share email
addresses...have attached the poem for your viewing
pleasure.
Have also attached the group pics - file sizes shouldn't
blow out your email boxes but will post on-line in the next
few days.
Am looking to post photos online and we can all share
albums.
Look forward to staying in touch...
Shake and bake!!!!
cheers
Marianne
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Posted
July 14, 2008
Hello
Michelle,
Can you pass on my thanks to Wayne, Max, Gideon and Duffy
for the wonderful time the boys and I had. We had a truly
enjoyable trip and it will be a life time memory for all of
us.
Thanks again
Michael
Posted
July 14, 2008
Wayne and
Michelle,
2-11th June 2008
Owers Corner to Kokoda ( led by Wayne )
Just a note of thanks for a fantastic trip.
We ( Nathan & Colin Zeeno and Nathan & Greg Street )
thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is an adventure that will stay with us forever. It was
great to be able to do it as father and son.
A special thanks for the effort and persistence that
yourself, Gidian and some porters of the 'A-Team' displayed
in getting us all through one particularly bad day. It was
much appreciated. I am not so certain that other trekking
companies would have been so understanding and supportive.
Your casual, friendly and informative approach made the trip
that more enjoyable.
The respect shown at the services really tugged at the
emotions. Involving members of the trekking team helped to
give it real ownership. The singing added to the emotion.
Thanks also for changing your plans and making it to the
presentations at the Yacht Club. ( Max to Menari !! )
We have been spreading the word on Kokoda Spirit.
The trip of a life time.
Regards,
Greg Street
Posted
July 5, 2008
Hi Wayne,
hi Michelle and a special hello to ‘Big Kev’,
Well I’ve just finished one of the hardest treks in the
world (Kev says it’s always rated about number three by the
‘experts’, but it’s funny ‘cause none of them can think of
what is number one and two) and I feel bloody fantastic,
thanks mainly to Kokoda Spirit and the number one trek
master in the world, Kevin Mansfield.
To say I was hesitant before the trek would be an
understatement. I was a little under prepared I thought
(physically) for what lay in store for me, but I’d decided
if my mind was ‘around’ the job and I was resolute about my
task ahead, then I would get myself through it, no matter
what.
As it turned out I experienced one of the ‘defining’ moments
in my life. Surrounded by 16 fellow trekkers from all over
Australia, we shared sweat, tears, happiness and emotion
beyond my wildest dreams.
A special bond now exists between us, a bond that comes from
walking over that sacred track, appreciating the hardship
and raw beauty of that far away place. I like to think that
we now have some sort of appreciation of what those
magnificent diggers felt towards each other.
COURAGE, ENDURANCE, MATESHIP, SACRIFICE. How true those
words from Isurava ring in my ears when I dream of the
track. The splendour and beauty of that memorial still
chokes me up.
Thank you Kevin for your inspirational leadership, your
emotional re-playing of the battles, your warmth and
friendliness and your professionalism.
You have PNG and it’s people so very close to your heart
mate, your depth of understanding and your love for the
track make me proud to be an Aussie.
Thank you Kokoda Spirit, I’ll never forget PNG and it’s
people and that a small ‘rag tag’ group of regular Aussie
blokes fought and died to save both of them over a wet,
muddy, dirty and bloody old track that we call ‘Kokoda’.
Regards, Simon Peters
Kingston SA
Posted
July 20, 2008
Hi
Michelle,
Well we all made it in one piece and it was just the best
time ever. Fred and the boys were nothing short of
sensational, they welcomed us into their hearts and their
homes and truly showed the Kokoda Spirit. We believe we were
the noisiest, happiest and best team on the track at the
time. At no stage did we have individual efforts we moved,
ate, learnt, sang and slept as one. We even shed tears
together. Our war cry echoed throughout the valleys whenever
John got us going. It was simply awesome. Other groups we
passed were doing it tough, with not a porter in sight or an
tail end charlie like Fred to make sure everyone was safe
and cared for. When we came to one of the boys villages we
were treated like royalty, everyone came out and we shook so
many hands. The night we spent in Menari was extra special.
Fred had organised a bonfire in our honour and we had dinner
by candle light in a hut. Some of the boys then put on a
show for us. They dressed as the ancestors (big leaves and
grasses over their bodies, face paint)and put on a show
which traced the coming of Europeans through mime and story
(read by Fred) with their clothes, food and medicines to the
area. You had to be there and see it to understand just how
honoured we felt and were then treated to singing by the
church choir.
Each night with the first aid supplies that we brought we
set up clinics and treated open wounds, infections, head
aches, sore backs and even provided massages to the boys. At
first they were a little hesitant but by the 3rd night we
had a line up and waiting room full!
I could not have thought of better company to complete my
Kokoda experinece with. I must make mention of one
particular porter who touched all of us - John Joey, would
have to be one of the brightest young men that all of us had
ever meet. His english was faultless and what he didnt know
about the track wasn't worth knowing. He told us about his
desire to win this years Kokoda Challenge as the prize money
would enable him to complete his education. We gave him half
his entrance fee for the race a shirt and socks and told him
to run like the wind and stay safe. He would make a
fantastic track master/leader and it would be great if you
would consider him for this role.
Words cannot express how we felt at the end. Completing the
track as you will find out is very personal, but emerging
from under the arch at Owers Corner and walking through a
guard of honour made by the porters would have to be the
highlight of my life so far. I know appreciate the efforts
of our troops but still cannot imagine the hell that
fighting on the track would have been.
Thanks for you help, patience and advice all throughout the
organisational period. It made my job much easier.
Regards
Deborah Kahn
Murray/Billabong School
Posted
June 13, 2008
Hi Wayne,
Now that some weeks have passed I find myself reflecting on
my Kokoda ANZAC 2008 experience - it was more than a good
tough trek in the Owen Stanleys, it was like walking through
a history book of extraordinary intensity and emotion - God
bless the 39th Battalion and the AIF battalions that arrived
at the 11th hour to save Port Moresby. I feel privileged to
now know their story with detail.
Wayne, I would like to express my personal appreciation and
that of my small patrol of four ex Army officers for the
outstanding organisation and delivery of the trek. As ex
military we had high expectations and it was everything and
more that we expected when looking for a trekking package
solution. We were fortunate to drop into Team Green which
was a motley collection of beaut young people who probably
saw us as 'silly old buggers' reliving lost youth but we
quickly grew as a team and after a day or two there was
never more than 200m from point to tail with everyone
looking out for each other. The spirit and camaraderie
within the Green Team was strengthened by Noel the Trek
Master, Mac the Spade, and the wonderful team of porters who
carried, laughed, cooked and sang the 96 kms. Milon was my
porter and there's a man to trust.
You had briefed everyone beforehand to expect the unexpected
in PNG and the extra 20 km walk-in to Owers' Corner because
the road was impassable was just part of that experience -
it helps to embellish the war stories now that we are back!
Even the mud was extra value-add experience if looking for
positives!
I know that your personal passion about the track, its
history, people and environment rubbed off on us all and we
are all the richer for having trekked with Kokoda Spirit.
Thanks to Michelle for always being available for advice -
best wishes to Kokoda Spirit.
Peter Keane
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired)
Australian Regular Army
PS: really appreciate the walking stick ... don't know when
i will use it again ... not Kokoda ... maybe Kilimanjaro or
Sandakan! make sure you guys look after my man Milon please.
Posted May 28, 2008
Dear Wayne,
As mentioned on the Kokoda Track, you are in a unique
position to be able to spend significant periods of time
talking to Australians from many backgrounds and of many
ages about the significance of the Kokoda Track and our
unique Australian Spirit. Please accept my very modest gift
of the latest book by Hugh McKay who is an Australian social
commentator. His book shows an insight on the Australian
people. It appears that Australians quest for spirituality
is not necessarily reflected in religion but in the enormous
increase in numbers of people walking the Kokoda Track and
obviously Gallipoli and the battle fields of France.
Although my thanks are belated, they are still well meant
and that the walk in general, specifically your
contribution, has changed me forever.
With best wishes,
Jim Douglas
Posted May 27, 2008
Kokoda Spirit provided a
wonderful platform for me to saviour the Kokoda Track.
Wayne clearly and succinctly reinforced the homework that I
had done on the history of the Kokoda Track.
Perhaps more
importantly, Wayne melded a group of almost complete
strangers into a team that supported each other in the tough
times and who shared the joys of achieving the 96km journey
along the Kokoda Trail. I got thinking that this is what it
would have been like for all those who were on the Kokoda
Trail in 1942. They had strong leadership and their mateship
was the ultimate survival tool.
Thanks once again for
your guidance on our Kokoda Trail trek. We had a great group
but your leadership and ability to read people was second to
none.
Murray Le Lievre
May 2008
Posted May 23, 2008
Hi Kev,
Hope you are well and did not have too many hang overs about
us trekkers from the Northern Beaches.
I just want to say a big thank you for the way you guided us
through the mud and tree roots, I still have dreams about
the bloody tree roots.........
It was a great challenge for me to do this Kokoda track and
I feel really good and also hungry to do other treks in the
future.
Kev if you are in in Sydney please let me know so we can
catch up over a beer with some of the other trekkers from
the group.
Please let me know if you have any special treks going on
somewhere around the world , maybe the Black Cat ...?? or
Kapa Kapa ??
Please give my regards to Wayne as well.
Cheers,
The Dane (Christian)
Posted May 20, 2008
Wayne,
The experience of walking the Kokoda Track with Kokoda
Spirit was fantastic. It was so different having you the CEO
of the company interact with the staff and the trekkers. I
and my family commend you for that. Even captain log took
home ideas.
Word of mouth is the
key...Increase the intake for ANZAC 2009.
Great to meet you.
Tim
Posted May 20, 2008
Hi Wayne and Michelle,
Well have been back just over a week now from the hardest
both mentally and physically challenge I have ever done, but
something that will certainly stay with me for the rest of
my life. It was a very rewarding thing to have completed and
to know that the Aussie soldiers and Fuzzie Wuzzies went
through a lot worse, condition wise ,shows the great
achievements that they accomplished under extremely trying
conditions, (my respect is at the highest end of the scale).
Have spent 5 days
recovering in Exmouth with my 2 sons, lazing by the pool and
doing some fishing. The body is finally back to normal.
Wayne here is a copy of
the poem I wrote and read out, and for that I thank you as
it was a honour for me to be able to, as it was not my
intention to do so.
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