Community
28 August, 2025
Kokoda trekkers celebrated
RESIDENTS from across the Corangamite Shire had the opportunity to hear from the 12 students who tackled the Kokoda Track last Saturday as a special celebration night was hosted.
Friends and family members of the trekkers and sponsors were among those in the crowd eager to learn more about the adventure the students embarked on recently.
The night began with a video compilation showing various photos and short snippets of the trek, including glimpses into their rest days and camping situation.
Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan also spoke at the event, emphasising his pride in the students for taking up the challenge and thanking the sponsors for supporting them to go to Kokoda.
Students spoke about their time in Papua New Guinea and shared their highlights from the trip, with a question and answer session following their speeches.
“During the Kokoda Track, we encountered lots of difficult terrain and long hot days, but it was an amazing experience – I’d definitely suggest it to anyone thinking about doing it,” Terang College student Lucy Eldridge said.
“A few of my favourite experiences on the track were the rest days in Kagi – when we were entering the village, the very welcoming locals sang us songs and gifted us with handmade flower necklaces.
“I also enjoyed finishing the track – I’m sure it seems like a given but being able to look back on what we’d just accomplished was a really special moment.
“The day I struggled on was day two – the day was extremely hot, and the sun did not make it any easier. I was also still trying to acclimatise to the hot weather but, once completing this day, I felt like I could definitely finish the track.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors – without your help and support, we would not be able to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be with us for the rest of our lives.”
Lucy also gave some advice to those who are considering taking on the challenge themselves.
“Make sure you do lots of training – not only on flat walks but up and down hilly terrain because when you get there, you’ll want to be able to enjoy it,” she said.
“If you’re fit and ready, it’ll make each day much more enjoyable.
“I’d also say to practice packing your pack – it may sound silly, but it makes it so much easier to keep everything organised.
“Try to pack as light as possible because it will make climbing up and going down those hilly areas a little bit easier.”
Kate Makin, who helped to organise the student’s journey, said she was looking forward to the Corangamite Schools Kokoda Trek running again in two years’ time.
“I’m extremely proud of the students, their achievement and what they’ve been able to do – walking on the Kokoda Track and being ambassadors for Corangamite and everything in between,” she said.