Tough trek on Kokoda

By Jonathon Howard

TWO NUNDERI residents and a Queensland Police officer have recently completed the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, narrowly avoiding the now blockade of the track.

The three trekkers are Australian Army Cadet Tomas Bowie and his father James, together with Jake Nieuwenhoven, a member of the Army Reserves.

The trio completed 10 days of wet and gruelling conditions along the infamous Kokoda Track, which formed an integral part of World War II for the Australia Army, who prevented the advancement of the Imperial Japanese Army in 1942.

Tweed Valley sub-branch of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia patron Ron Smith, a World War II Navy veteran, presented the 80th Anniversary Battle of Kokoda Gold Medallion to two of the team members after their return.

Mr Smith said the trek was in the footsteps of our WWII diggers on the Kokoda Track.

James commented on the challenges of the track, which he summed up in two words.

“It was the greatest experience we have completed, but it was bloody tough,” he said. Mr Smith wanted to highlight the efforts of the trio in undertaking one of the toughest treks in the world.

“Congratulations to Tomas, James and Jake on undertaking the Kokoda Track, it’s a great accomplishment,” he said.