A life-changing trek

This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the battle fought deep in the jungle of Papua New Guinea and another 47 young Aussies will embark on the trek next month as part of the program.

An initiative of the RSL and Services Clubs Association and developed by Adventure Kokoda’s Charlie Lynn, the program’s targeted participants are ideally between 17 and 25 years old, and are sponsored by RSL and services clubs across NSW, ClubsNSW, ClubsSA, ClubsACT and ClubsWA.

Almost 300 participants have taken part in the program in the decade it’s been running, representing an investment of about $1.5 million.

The KYLC promotes team work and leadership – and trekkers are taken on an emotional, mental and physical journey as they are told wartime stories along the way.

Not only do they walk the trail, they camp in villages with locals who live along the track and catch a glimpse of life in the PNG jungle.

Two women from the Riverina will join other young Australians to walk the Kokoda Trail next month under sponsorship by the Wagga Wagga RSL.

Laura Kane hails from Henty, 60 kilometres south of Wagga, and said her country upbringing had played a major part in aspiring her to take part in the program.

The 18-year-old works from her hometown as a legal secretary for Commins Hendriks Solicitors and while Laura loves rural living, she said she had been somewhat sheltered growing up – and a trip to Kokoda could just be the challenge she needed.

“I’ve been sheltered, in a good way, but when you come from a small town sometimes you do feel like you live in a bubble,” she said.

“It’s just exciting to have the opportunity to strive for something, and to go over there and actually restep the same trail the soldiers fought on all those years ago.”

There isn’t doubt in her mind the journey she will undertake in just over a month will be life changing.

But both personally and professionally, the change is welcome, she said.

“I think this challenge will even make me a better solicitor. I don’t want to be too comfortable – I want to broaden my understanding of myself as a person, my family, and everything I know back home.”

Having just finished high school last year, Laura said the program was also a search for life experience.

She said there was no better way to understand than to see the very site the war took place.

“I’m part of a generation who unless we’re directly involved with the Australian military, we only know of the hardships of war through our studies at school or from the media, who are happy to point out any trouble brewing in the Middle East,” she said.

“They tend to focus on the numbers – how many served, their age, how long they served for, how much money was spent – but this is a bit limiting.

“It’s led to my generation not being fully informed and able to appreciate the human element of war.

“I’m hoping the trek will open that for me.”

Year 12 student Courtney Smith, Wagga, will join Laura on the trek.

The pair will be led by Adventure Kokoda’s Charlie Lynn, who initiated the program 10 years ago.

Courtney is involved in numerous leadership programs at Mount Austin High School and said the trek was another way she could build on these skills.

“I know it isn’t going to be easy, but I’m intrigued to learn about the culture of Papua New Guinea and the history of the trail,” she said.

Post-school, Courtney hopes to join the army as a nurse.

“I’m already completing my Certificate III Assistant in Nursing so I’m well on my way to achieving my dream,” she said.

“I think this trek will be another challenge to work towards and I’m looking forward to not only learning about myself, but coming home and using these lessons in my every day life.

“I’ve come from a low socio-economic background so I know how hard things can be, and this program just seemed the perfect fit for me to work towards giving back to those in the community who might be facing hardship.”

Since applying for the program, both of the young women had found family military history.

This year's trek runs from September 20 to October 1.

For more information on the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge visit www.rslservicesclubs.com.au - to find out more about Adventure Kokoda visit www.kokodatreks.com