Defence to mentor junior leaders on Kokoda Trek

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Dan Tehan has welcomed the announcement that Australian Defence Force (ADF) will mentor 20 young Legacy members on a trek along the Kokoda Trail to mark its 75^th anniversary next year.

The 10 ADF personnel will mentor the Legacy youth as they prepare for the 96-kilometre trek and they will walk the trail together as a leadership building exercise.

“Kokoda holds a special meaning for Australians and next year marks the 75th anniversary of a battle where an out-numbered and out-gunned battalion of Australian militia and Papuan infantry fought a superior force intent on seizing Port Moresby and isolating Australia,” Mr Tehan said.

“The Legacy-Kokoda initiative will be an opportunity for the Legacy Youth to better understand the service and sacrifice of the Australians who experienced the Kokoda Trail and to gain leadership experience from their ADF mentors.

“Legacy Australia has been an unfaltering supporter of Service families committed to its promise of providing a ‘legacy of care’ for families who have lost a loved one or have given their health in conflict, peacekeeping and service to the nation.

“Defence is proud to support the Legacy-Kokoda initiative through its Operation LEGACY AUSTRALIA KOKODA CHALLENGE 2017.”

Media note:

Imagery of the exercise will be available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20162942

Media Contacts:

Byron Vale (Minister Tehan’s Office) 0428 262 894

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999