Mark Bainbrigge on the Kokoda Trail June, 2004. When I asked Russell who his favourite trekker was for 2004, he replied Mark. I asked why, to which he replied – he was always the first to cross rivers and to help me show the others that it was ok. He gave everyone confidence and supported me from start to finish. He also cracked jokes and…[Read more]

Message from Mark Bainbrigge, President, Australian Returned and Services League, Port Moresby Sub Branch. Lest we forget! To ALL our riends in Papua New Guinea who have supported the efforts of the RSL in bringing back our veterans to pay their respects to fallen comrades that fought and died here, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.this…[Read more]

Also dedicated to my mother's other brother Archie McMillan who returned from the war and fighting here in PNG but who suffered the most horrific nightmares until he died a few years later at an early age.Archie was tied to a tree to stop him trying to reach his brother when he had been shot. As a teenager I can recall him screaming in the middle…[Read more]

Robert Norman McMillan – died Aitape, Papua New Guinea at the age of 22:Robert_McMillan.jpg

Dedicated to my late Uncle whose family have never forgotten the sacrifice of two sons who left for PNG, one of which never returned home. To an Uncle I never met. Also to all the other fathers/uncles/brothers that never returned home, Lest We Forget. Robert's resting place is in the Lae War Cemetery. Fitting I guess seeing as he fought on the…[Read more]

Order of Wreath Laying Ceremony:1. High Commissioner – Australia – Head of Auystralian Defence Staff, PNG2. High Commissioner -New Zealand3. High Commissioner – Britain4. Ambassador – United States of America5. Ambassador – France6. High Commissioner – India7. High Commissioner – Fiji8. Honorary Consul to the Netherlands9. Commander PNG…[Read more]

5. Prologue: H.E.New Zealand High Commissioner6. Dedication: H.E. Australian High Commissioner7. Morning Prayer:8. Address: President Port Moresby RSL Sub-Branch9. Laying of Wreaths: PNG Government Representative10. RSL ODE: Mr Richard Terry11. Last Post12. Two Minutes Silence13. Lament "The Flowers of the Forest – CS Piper"14.…[Read more]

At this end of the Kokoda Trail at Ower's Corner & in particular Veselugo, there once again is a need for shade while the quicker of our trekkers arrive and wait for the remainder of the group to arrive up the last climb to where the arches have been erected.When you see this tent you will know you have reached the finish line!Welcome home…[Read more]

When trekkers touch down in Kokoda and/or take off from Kokoda they will now have shade as we have just purchased a tent to be used for this purpose. I have been to Kokoda airstrip on three occasions and noticed people sitting in the bush due to no shade cover while they waited for the aircraft from Port Moresby to arrive. It was then that I…[Read more]

Great News: Our visually impaired trekker has done ok and all our porters have taken turns to look after him. Trekkers have been so impressed that they contributed money and have sent two food porters ahead to Kokoda to go to Popondetta this morning on our truck to purchase beer and meat for a barbeque lunch tomorrow 23rd April.Other good news is…[Read more]

Russell Eroro's canteen where you can buy what we call here in PNG trade store goods. The store mainly supplies the people living in the block but trekkers can purchase if they want to buy something from them:Russell__s_Canteen.jpg

For all our treks we arrange a traditional sing sing welcome for our own trekkers to show some more of the Oro Province culture and tradition. Trekkers can pose with them for photographs if they wish.Sing_Sing_Dancers_2.jpg

Trekkers in September with the Lord Somers/Powerhouse Group, seen here enjoying time with some of the children of the families who share the block:Trekkers_near_Creek.jpg

Trekkers enjoying a feast of food prepared by the women in Russell's family block during a trek in 2004:Russell__s_Block_Kai_Kai.jpg

Hi Warren, the trek may differ depending on how the trekkers are going but will be something similar to the following:Day 1: POM – KOKODA – ISURAVA – Arrive in Kokoda and meet our Kokoda Trekking Porters & Guides after a 20 minute flight from Port Moresby. A short walk from the airstrip to Kokoda Station for a tour of the War Museum and other…[Read more]

There was a catch 22 however and not all went as planned. Initially I had a devil of a chance convincing them that the Ambulance could be used before it is 'officially handed over to the people of Kokoda and surrounding areas'.I tried to explain that we could worry about the red tape later on, the important issue was the safety of the mother. Chri…[Read more]

Another plus to be considered, is the fact that Russell Eroro owns a Mitsubishi Canter and large groups can also be catered for with regards to hiring his transport to and or from Popondetta Airport to Kokoda and also Buna/Gona regions.During the past few months John Derrick Eroro has made a trip down to the coast to talk to villagers to find out…[Read more]

I have been lucky enough on three occasions to witness their Oro Province hospitality and believe me they make you feel really really welcome!Today 20th April I heard back from a trekker who returned from Kokoda who could not make it up to Isurava. He flew out on Sunday and returned to Russell's family block on Monday Night. Our trekker then had…[Read more]

One of Russell's win houses during the construction process. It is now completely finished and will house its first guests on the night of the 23rd April when approximately 100 trekkers arrive at Russell Eroro's Family Block. When I asked how they can handle such large numbers, Russell replied that they have been entertaining Kokoda Trekkers for…[Read more]

Please note: Russell Eroro's family block in Kokoda where you can stay and share stories with Russell Eroro (287 kokoda treks) and his brother John Derrick (over 300 kokoda treks) – spanning 12 + years!Russell's family have recently completed new 'win house's' and cant wait for our trekkers to occupy them this coming weekend. They also welcome…[Read more]