From 10 to 20 November 2026, a group of veterans and supporters from Walk With Us Kokoda will walk the 96-kilometre Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, a journey that takes them across the Track over Remembrance Day.
Here at His Boy Elroy, Walk With Us Kokoda is close to our hearts. Our founder, Lachlan Stevens, is also Founder and CEO of Raising the Bar Foundation, the Illawarra charity behind the program, and he'll be on the Track with this group. So we wanted to introduce you to the people walking, and give you the chance to back them.
What we want to achieve
Walk With Us Kokoda is a leadership development program for veterans. We run two treks a year and take around 40 people across the Track annually, about 70 per cent of them veterans. Selected veterans are sponsored in partnership with RSL NSW, through its Veteran Support Fund, and RSLWA.
The Track is hard on purpose. Its physical demands, and the history of the 1942 campaign, build leadership, resilience, teamwork under pressure and a renewed sense of purpose. Trekkers walk alongside Koiari porters, many of them descendants of the Papuan carriers remembered as the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, and pay their respects at Bomana War Cemetery, Brigade Hill and Isurava.
But the real work starts when they get home. Our goal is to send veterans back sharper, more connected and ready to lead in their RSL sub-Branches, workplaces, charities and communities, and to inspire younger and contemporary veterans to become torchbearers for the legacy at the heart of Kokoda.
Meet the trekkers
Each trekker has a Raisely fundraising page. Here they are, in their own words.
Tony Muir
Many veterans and serving members dream of following in the footsteps of those who went before us, in traversing the Kokoda Trail. It has been my dream since spending time as a child with World War 2 veterans on ANZAC Day, fascinated by tales of their time on the Kokoda trail. They, like veterans since, reflected on mateship, service, the challenges on the trail and their struggles since.
Jarrad Irvine
One of the biggest questions people ask when donating is, “Where does my money actually go?” With Walk With Us Kokoda, every dollar raised helps give more veterans the opportunity to walk the Kokoda Trail—a life-changing experience designed to build resilience, strengthen leadership, reconnect veterans with purpose, and foster the camaraderie that so many miss after leaving military service. I feel incredibly honoured to have been selected to walk the Kokoda Trail with Walk With Us Kokoda this year, as one of the first Western Australians to take part through the support of RSL WA Active. Since transitioning out of the Army, I’ve always needed a challenge to work towards.
Luke Caldwell
After 14 years in the Army as a combat engineer and aircrewman, I’m walking the Kokoda Track to reconnect with my military heritage and support those around me. This walk is close to my heart — it’s about mateship, belonging, and standing up for mental health awareness for veterans and emergency service workers.
Andrew Perkins
This event helps current and ex-serving vets to reconnect via an activity that will test stamina and strength whilst gaining new friendships, camaraderie and a lifelong experience.
Tyson Pringle
I'm proud to be taking on the Kokoda Track in support of Walk With Us Kokoda. This November, I'll be trekking the historic Kokoda Track to honour the courage, sacrifice and legacy of our veterans while helping raise awareness and funds for an organisation that changes lives through programs that build resilience, leadership and purpose.
Jane & Quinn
This year my partner, Quinn, and I are taking on the challenge of hiking the Kokoda Trail. This is a long term goal for us both. We are avid and passionate about fitness, both competing in Strongman and Basketball competitions, as well as lovers of outdoor hiking.
Support Jane & Quinn on Raisely
John Ryan
For most people, a holiday is a chance to relax and unwind. For me, it’s an opportunity to take on one of the world’s toughest treks: the Kokoda Track through Papua New Guinea's Owen Stanley Ranges.
Marlowe Abarca
Walking the Kokoda Track isn’t exactly what most people would call a relaxing holiday. Most people book a beach resort—I apparently thought hiking through the jungle sounded like a better idea. Now, before anyone asks… no, I won’t be carrying the heavy pack.
Kellie Rosemond
Walking the Kokoda Track is something I've thought about doing for a long time, so when the opportunity came up through Walk With Us Kokoda, I knew I couldn't let it pass by. Over 10 days, I'll be trekking 96km through the rugged jungles of Papua New Guinea, crossing rivers, climbing steep terrain, and following a path that holds great significance in Australia's history. It will be physically demanding, mentally challenging, and undoubtedly push me outside my comfort zone, but that's all part of the experience.
Emma Palmer
I'm fundraising for Walk With Us Kokoda because I believe in paying it forward and looking out for others. Kokoda is so much more than a trek—it's a life changing experience that builds perspective and lifelong friendships. This program helps Australian veterans—people with incredible skills, resilience, and a willingness to take on challenges—reconnect, grow, and engage fully with their communities.
Jay Douglas
To pay it forward for Walk With Us Kokoda! Supporting Australian veterans to rediscover their purpose and overcome life’s challenges by sponsoring their journey on the Kokoda Trail.
Alice Henderson
Sam Barlow
I’m fundraising for Walk With Us Kokoda because this program changes lives — not just through physical challenge, but through healing, connection, and purpose. It supports veterans and community members by guiding them along the Kokoda Track — a journey of resilience, remembrance, and growth.
Lachlan Stevens
Supporting veterans walk the Kokoda Track to better themselves and the communities they exist in.
Walk with them
Every dollar raised helps give more veterans the chance to walk the Kokoda Track and bring what they learn home to their communities. Pick a trekker whose story speaks to you, or two, and chip in whatever you can. A share goes a long way too.
Follow along through November as the group heads up the Track, and if you're a veteran who wants to walk with us next, find out more at walkwithuskokoda.org.au.
Visit the Walk With Us Kokoda Raisely page | walkwithuskokoda.org.au