Leave behind technology & everyday luxuries to trek up seemingly never-ending hills for days – the Kokoda Track is physically & emotionally draining but women are more than capable of doing it.
That’s the message Australian models Laura and Erin are sharing with Aussies as the Kokoda ambassadors for 2015.
At the launch of their campaign in Sydney last night, PNG Australian spokesperson Georgia Gregerson said Laura Dundovic, former winner of Miss Universe Australia and Erin Holland, past winner of Miss World Australia, were selected to share the Kokoda message to a broader audience, particularly women.
“We wanted to share that it isn’t just for fit young men but a wide range of experiences and women.”
Georgia Gregerson, PNG Australian spokesperson
As part of their agreement to promote the track, the two ladies spent six and a half days hiking the Kokoda trek in October last year with a film crew and local guides.
Following in the footsteps of hundreds of young, untrained Australian men sent off to fight the Japanese in 1942, the girls climbed hills, walked over tree-log bridges, crawled through mud and showered in freezing cold rivers to cross the threshold into the Kokoda memorial and burial.
Two models say it was a powerful experience that they’d love to do again.
Forced to keep quiet about their experience for nearly six months, Erin said it was one of the best trips she’d ever taken because it was challenging, emotional, inspiring and unforgettable.
“I’ve definitely brought a bit of the track back with me. I feel like it has changed me.”
Erin Holland, past winner of Miss World Australia
She described the experience as rewarding but also eerie because pieces of the men that climbed the track some 5o years ago are left behind.
She said boots, weapons and even food scrappings are seen along the track.
Along the way girls also met with locals.
And every time either one of the girls thought about giving up, they’d remember those that came before them.
“Every time I thought about giving up, I had to think of the men who did it and they were doing it with all their gear, knowing what they’re going to face, not knowing when they’re going home and not knowing when their next meal would be.”
Laura Dundovic, former winner of Miss Universe Australia
The girls were also taken aback by the loving nature of the locals, who they say were not only friendly but welcoming.
Laura even had her hair braided by a group of children from one of the local tribes.
The videos of their journey can be viewed at www.dokokoda.com along with other images and testimonials of their experience.
www.dokokoda.com is a hub of information and inspiration about trekking Kokoda including almost 300 stories shared by other Australians who have trekked the track, links to Kokoda trek operators, Frequently Asked Questions about trekking Kokoda and information on how to donate to support communities along the track.
Check KarryOn next week for five reasons on why every women needs to Do Kokoda.
