COURAGE, endurance, mateship, sacrifice.
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The words are carved into four black granite pillars that form the Isavuru Memorial to Australian and Papua New Guineans who served and died on the Kokoda Track in 1942, but they also reflected the personal stories of Inverell residents George, Catherine and Tom Lane who were part of a group of 15 from The Armidale School who tackled the iconic challenge earlier this month.
Accompanied by local guides, each day’s outing started with a briefing about the withdrawal and attack of Australian troops, and at certain points, a closer examination of the positions taken by the Australians and the Japanese during conflict. Along the way, tribute is paid to those who had lost their lives; as part of their preparation.
“Walking the Kokoda Track was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but well worth it. It gave me a chance to test both my physical and mental strength and an opportunity to meet new people, become closer and bond with the others in the group and it was a particularly great thing to do with my mother and brother,” said George, a Year 11 student at TAS.
While blessed with dry weather which meant they were not trekking through mud, the had to endure temperatures in the high ‘thirties. “The villages we stopped at overnight or for a rest were always happy to see us, we often played rugby or a game of volleyball with the kids and talked to them about their village and its history, particularly in the war. Our group leader Aiden was extraordinary as presenting the history of the Aussie Diggers, the Japanese soldiers and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, going into great detail and answering all questions we had about it,” said George.
“It made me realise how much I did not know about the history and it really opened my eyes as to what the Aussie Diggers did on the track, sacrificing their lives for their mates and their country. The Track’s impact on me is knowing that if I can complete one of the hardest treks on earth I can do anything I put my mind to anything and try to live up to what the Australian Soldiers fought and died for.”
It was the sixth Kokoda expedition run by TAS. Headmaster Murray Guest said the Kokoda expedition has stood the test of time at TAS, “because boys and girls still crave great adventure today as much as they ever have.”