Kokoda trekking team tours Sunshine Coast

AFTER years of helping Australians negotiate the rugged Kokoda Track, it was the
guides’ turn to be shown around.
On the 70th anniversary of the battle that saved Australia, four guides from trekking company Kokoda Spirit have arrived on the Sunshine Coast to be reunited with people who had made the 96km trek through the rugged terrain of the Papua New Guinea highlands.
They will check out the best the coast has to offer.
Wayne Wetherall, managing director of the Sunshine Coast-based Kokoda Spirit, has brought Nouvel Namura, Mack Matap, Gideon Maleva and Helen Tuakara to see the country where most of their
trekking clients come from.
For some, it is the first time they have left the shores of their country.
During their five-day stay, guides will learn to surf, climb Mt Coolum, go shopping at Sunshine Plaza, visit Noosa and enjoy a traditional Aussie barbecue.
“It is a real eye-opener for them,” Wetherall said.
Although Tuakara has left PNG before, it is her first time on the Coast and she can barely contain her excitement.
“I am looking forward to learning how to surf.
“We don’t have big waves in PNG like you guys have,” she said.
“My wish is for PNG to become more like Australia. I love it here.
“PNG is more relaxed, but we don’t have half the things you have, from the technology to infrastructure.
“I have loved every sight I have seen here. It is awesome.”
Tuakara has worked for Kokoda Spirit for eight years, walking the track twice and helping organise countless trips for trekkers.
She said she was proud to be a part of such a massive part of the history of her country and Australia.
“I love my job and taking Australians to walk the trail and show them the history of Kokoda,” she said.
“It can be a very emotional experience for people.”
Tuakara said she was proud of how well Kokoda Spirit took care of families in the villages along the track.
It helped the local Koiari and Orokaiva people develop the skills and experience to gain employment and develop eco-tourism business along the Kokoda
Track, as well as running community programmes to help with the distribution of schoolbooks, reading programmes, gardening programmes and first aid kits.