Walking the famous wartime trail at Kokoda is an opportunity two Wagga students will take to honour those who have fought and died for their country.
Siblings Zac and Elizabeth Shaw will join a group of 32 young trekkers on the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge, which leaves for Papua New Guinea today.
The 10-day trek will cover 155 kilometres across punishing jungle terrain in intense humidity.
It’s a challenge both Zac, 20, and Liz, 18, have trained hard for since being awarded the Bill Hall Memorial Scholarship for first-year university students and being sponsored by RSL & Services Clubs Association for the trek.
It is also significant their great grandfather, Lieutenant Richard Evans, served in New Guinea and also the Middle East during World War II.
Zac and Liz, who will carry 15kg packs, said they are fit and ready, but fully expect the trek to be “no holiday”.
“It will be tough, but that’s fine. The soldiers did it a whole lot harder for a lot longer, and against a fierce enemy,” Liz said.
“Kokoda is part of our history. Young Australians need to know the significance. It helps keep the ANZAC spirit alive.”
Zac said the chance to walk in the Diggers’ path would be a “great honour”.
