Our Staff

Wayne and Michelle Wetherall runs our Australian office and operation along with, Lyn Kelly and Julie Elliott
Wayne, Michelle and the Kokoda Spirit team is passionate about the Kokoda Track, the Australian history, the people and the culture of the people along the track.

Kokoda Spirit has offices in both Queensland and Port Moresby. This allows us to provide you with local contacts in Australia, while our strategically based Port Moresby office provides all the advantages of local knowledge and local infrastructure. This support network ensures your trekking adventure is enjoyable and trouble free.

Wayne’s expertise in Business, Management, Leadership  and Tourism provides the professional support and infrastructure to the team in Papua New Guinea. Wayne has had a very successful career in the corporate world as a National Sales and Marketing Manager and General Manager. Wayne has brought his passion, knowledge and pride to Kokoda Spirit ensuring that every trek and trekker is rewarded with an incredible experience across Kokoda.

 Wayne has been exploring PNG since 2004 and has been instrumental in some of the great discoveries along the track. Wayne has an intimate knowledge and passion for the Australian war history on the track and is our Chief Australian Guide.
He has also written a number of stories on the history and his experiences on the track. His enthusiasm and knowledge will give you an insight into the Kokoda Tracks’ history.

Wayne has successfully led exploration treks and tours into Vietnam, Thailand, Borneo, China, Germany, Italy and France. Wayne has assisted in opening up the Sandakan track for Tourism in Borneo, having been invited by Sabah Tourism to develop local opportunities and  has conducted tours to Long Tan and other significant battlesites in Vietnam with his local operator. Wayne has also successfully climbed Mt Wilhelm in PNG, Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mt Kinabalu in Borneo six times including the World’s highest “Via Ferrata”.

Early 2009, Wayne trained 5 new passionate and knowledgeable Australian guides to meet the increased demands for adventure trekking. Our guides are passionate about the track and will ensure you have a great trip. 

They have established strong bonds with the local villagers, setting up trusts to supply much needed supplies of Schoolbooks and equipment. His latest project is Village Spirit, Village Reader and Village Gardener, ensuring that the local communities can continue to grow and develop.

Julie Elliott is the marketing & promotions manager of Kokoda Spirit, and a keen trekker. She has so far enjoyed trekking in New Zealand, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland & Borneo. Julie will be able to help you with inquires about your next adventure. She is available for group presentations to discuss all aspects of your trek, from what gear to take to how much training is required.

Lyn Kelly has travelled extensively and has a wealth of experience and loves to be involved in our trekkers’ adventures and looks after the administration and organisation of your trek.

Michelle, Lyn and Julie can assist with your trekking and adventure needs.

Our Senior Trek Masters are first aid trained.  Our Senior Trek Masters include; Gideon Malawi, Alan Malawi, Frank Bogajaiwa, Sai Abel, Joshua Segi, Noel Namuri, Jeffrey, and David have over 780 successful treks across the track between them.

Joyce Kamburi, is our PNG Operations Manager and has trained and worked in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in PNG for over 15 years. Joyce ensures all our logistics and organisational plans run smoothly.
Joyce has a warm friendly personality and will ensure your stay in PNG is enjoyable. Joyce is assisted with our PNG Operations by the friendly and efficient Helen Tuakara. Helen has worked with Kokoda Spirit from its inception and brings a wealth of knowledge about tourism and PNG hospitality.