13 defence community members recently embarked on a life-changing adventure – the Kokoda Trek – organised by Invictus Australia. This historic 96km trek through the Owen Stanley Ranges in Papua New Guinea is more than just a challenging physical feat; it’s a profound journey into the heart of Australian military history.  

The group set out to not only test their physical limits and form bonds with other defence community members, but also to connect with the legacy of the Kokoda campaign and the sacrifices made by those who fought there. 

Thanks to the support of our partners at the Invictus Games Foundation, members of the wounded, injured or ill (WII) veteran community were supported to undertake this trek.

A shared send-off  

For the veterans in this group, this trek was a chance to reaffirm their military ties and reignite the sense of connection to the Australian Defence Force and its history. For retired soldier Craig Whitehorn, this trek was a chance to reconnect with his “proud military history.”   

“I’m about the 5th or 6th generation that served with Australia, including my brother, both my parents, both of my grandfathers. For me, this was to pay homage to them and to experience what the military had to deal with and to find that spiritual connection.”  

For defence family members, it was a chance to pay their respects and gain a sense of appreciation for the soldiers who fought along the 96km trail, as well as to honour the sacrifices their family and friends have made during service.  

These military connections extended beyond the trekkers, with junior guide Aiden Read, from Peak Learning Adventures, also appreciating his ties to the military community along the Trek. Aiden’s mother, Simone Read, is a former serving veteran, currently training to compete under Team Invictus Australia at the World Lifesaving Championships, was on deck to wish him good luck, as well as Invictus Australia board member and former Chief of Defence Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (RETD), who is a close friend of the Read family.  

For Aiden, just being at Kokoda surrounded by veterans allowed him to further appreciate how sport and physical activity can be crucial to the wellbeing of the defence community.   

“Guiding with Invictus Australia showed me that they are a community who unites veterans, helping them to break down barriers and open doors to new opportunities. It was an honour that left a lasting impact on me.” – Aiden Read 

A Mother-Son Journey and a Blossoming Family 

For Air Force Specialist Reserve Physiotherapist Anna Lewis, the trek held a deeper meaning. “It’s been a personal goal of mine for quite a long time,” she shared, “and I’m doing this with my son Declan.” Their shared journey exemplified the spirit of the trek and provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to bond and reflect on their ties to the Australian defence community.  

“The highlights have been pushing myself mentally and physically and doing it with a fantastic group of veterans,” Anna continued. This sentiment resonated with many participants, including Craig Whitehorn, a retired soldier, who described the group as one that forged camaraderie through shared challenges and a deep respect for the sacrifices made during World War II. 

Pushing Limits and Discovering Strength in Camaraderie 

The trek itself was demanding, with steep climbs, muddy tracks, and unpredictable weather. “There’s a lot of tough work,” Craig admitted. “There was a day when I was almost ready to pull the pin.”  He emphasised the four values the team had to adopt – “strength, courage, mateship, and endurance” – all of which became key motivators for the group through the eight-day trek. 

For Craig, being surrounded by defence community members who understood the intricacies of serving gave him the confidence to complete the trek.  

“There’s always a mutual, underlying bond of people who have served and their families and it’s created a very safe space to be able to show you vulnerabilities. It was great to see the constant checking in on each other and the connections that pushed you to go beyond where you thought you could go.  

Before this trek, I had a lot of doubts as to whether I’d be able to complete it. But after a couple of days with the group, there was no doubt in my mind that I would finish.”  – Craig Whitehorn 

Taking time to reflect 

When the group arrived at Isurava, their final stop before reaching Kokoda, they participated in a dawn service dedicated to fallen soldiers.  The group also took the time to honour those who have lost their life in conflict in the Middle East with a poem entitled This Ode. Post service, Craig reflected on what it meant to himself and the group: 

“I think it was probably the best dawn service I’ve ever been to. The fact that all of us here are connected to, or are veterans, meant we all had a part to play and something to contribute. To see the open vulnerability of someone reading out someone’s name that they knew really tugged at the heart and made it that much more special.  

To have a service where there has been action is so different, it is so humbling.”

craig WHITEHORN

veteran and kokoda trek group member

Beyond the Finish Line: A Lasting Impact 

“After I finished the Trail, there was this sense that If I could achieve this with my injury, then anything is possible. There are no barriers for me.” – Jye Martyn, Veteran Engagement Manager and Kokoda Trek attendee.  

All as one, the group crossed the end of the Kokoda Trail together, after a trek that challenged them both mentally and physically. Once completed, the team acknowledged the impact sport and physical activity had on their social, physical and mental wellbeing.  

The experience was able to foster a sense of family among defence community members, provided a platform for open dialogue about service-related challenges, and deepened their understanding of the Kokoda campaign’s significance. The memories made and the bonds forged on the Kokoda Track will undoubtedly stay with the participants for years to come. 

“In Invictus spirit, this group formed bonds, becoming unconquered together. Aside from the physicality, this trip’s been more about bringing defence veterans and families together through sport. It’s been a real social connector for people and allowed the unique elements of service, transition and post service life to be shared in a safe environment.” – Craig Whitehorn

To read more about the veterans who undertook this trek, click here.