Inside this issue:

Newsletter October 2011

Hi !FIRSTNAME!

Welcome to our Grand Final Edition for 2011.

It's been a busy time since we last wrote to you, including Kokoda Spirit helping out with the annual Kokoda Challenge Youth Program trek, organised by the Kooda Challenge Foundation. We were especially honoured to be met by Keith Payne VC, OAM - but more on that later.

Do you belong to or know of a group - be it workmates, a reunion or school students, who are thinking about trekking and would like a presentation from Kokoda Spirit? Contact us to talk about an information night.

A group of our trekkers recently walked the Sandakan Death March Route in Sabah Borneo. This trek is different in some ways to the Kokoda Track but it is also steeped in history, challenges and beautiful scenery. After this trek you can relax and pamper yourself in exciting Kota Kinabalu where shopping abounds and exciting nightlife awaits.

Finally, we are seeing a huge interest in people wanting to be on the Kokoda Track during 2012 which is the 70th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign. If you'd like to experience an unforgettable journey, check here on our website for trek dates, make the decision and create your own history.

Read on for all the news.

Regards

The Kokoda Spirit Team
www.kokodaspirit.com

Keith Payne VC, OAM visits Kokoda

Keith Payne VC, OAM was recently in Kokoda to congratulate and welcome the Kokoda Challenge Kids that just completed trekking Kokoda with Kokoda Spirit.

Keith Payne VC, OAM has being working very closely with Kokoda Challenge Foundation Chairman Doug Henderson in facilitating the world class Kokoda Challenge Youth Program. Keith was a guest at Kokoda of the Kokoda Challenge Association.

Kokoda Spirit CEO Wayne Wetherall whose company is the trekking partner of the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program was also present to congratulate the kids on their fantastic achievement.

Wetherall went on to say “that it was a very humbling and empowering experience to spend time with the Kokoda Challenge Kids, their stories and journeys are powerful, this program changes kids lives, it gives them the tools and opportunities to change their world.”

Wetherall also commented “to meet and have the opportunity to spend two days with Keith was very humbling and inspirational”. “On first meeting Keith I addressed him as Sir, but he quickly asked me to call him Keith.

Wayne Wetherall and Doug Henderson along with the Port Moresby RSL Sub branch hosted an evening function in honour of Keith Payne VC, OAM in Port Moresby.

To find out more about the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program www.kokodachallenge.com

29/01/12 – 07/02/12
Anniversary Trek First Death March
29/05/12 – 07/06/12
Anniversary Trek 2nd Death March
29/07/12 – 07/07/12
**Anniversary Trek Third Death March

SANDAKAN DEATH MARCH

Wayne Wetherall, Managing director of Wild Spirit and Kokoda Spirit, was part of a great group who have recently returned from trekking the infamous Sandakan Death March Route.

As the group found, this adventure offers everything. Led by a highly experienced local guide, during a six-day walk through thick steamy jungle and open fire trails, they learned of history that is at times unbelievable in its brutality against our diggers.

Sandakan Spirit is running three exclusive commemorative Death March Treks during 2012 across the complete and entire Sandakan Death March Route. We have pioneered the correct route uncovering lost sections of this tragic march.

Our route takes us into the remote, deep, virgin Sabah Jungle. The route we walk has been made possible with the assistance, support and cooperation of the Sabah Forestry Department.

In January, May and July 2012 the first ever joint British, Australian and Malay combined groups will walk in the footsteps of heroes along the complete and unbroken Sandakan Death March Route.

This will be the first time in 67 years that a joint organised trek has occurred along the complete route.

These treks will see members of the Defence Forces, Sporting Groups, Corporate and individuals from all three nations come together in this unique and momentous event.

For more information go to www.sandakandeathmarch.com.au

Menari School

Parents, teachers and students from St Ignatius Riverview School recently trekked Kokoda with Kokoda Spirit.

On visiting the Menari School and meeting with the Menari Teachers and community the Parents of Riverview School led by Sean McElduff and Allison Harrington pledged to supply the school with all of their required teaching and learning aids and equipment. The Menari School provided a comprehensive list of requirements to the Parents.

This pledge by the parents was followed through on September 23 when Wayne Wetherall from Kokoda Spirit Chartered a plane into Menari on behalf of the Riverview parents to facilitate the delivery of 475kg of school books, reference books and resources.

The delivery of the equipment was met with great excitement and much gratitude from the School. The school commented that this sort of support from our trekkers helps to change the lives of the kids on the track.

Many thanks to all associated with this fantastic project at Riverwiew.

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Congratulations

Congratulations to all our trekkers on their outstanding achievements in trekking the Kokoda Track, you are all truly amazing!

Well done to Senator Anne McEwen and Bernie Victory from the Centacare group on their recent success on Kokoda with us.

The Yarrawonga College also just finished an awesome trek across Kokoda.

We have on the track now the Kokoda Track Authority Co CEO Rod Hillman and his two sons and the MASP Mentoring group led by Ken Innes. Ken is a veteran on the track now and runs an incredibly dynamic mentoring program.

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Bottlemart Smiddy Challenge

On Saturday September 10 2011 Kokoda Spirit Managing Director Wayne Wetherall completed his marathon cycling journey to fight cancer.

Over the eight days Wayne cycled 1600 kilometres from Brisbane to Townsville through the heart of central Queensland.

Wayne commented that he was pushed to his limits physically and mentally as he completed this epic challenge.

Wayne describes the event as one of his all time toughest challenges, but also one of his greatest challenges.

He was so impressed with the remarkable achievements and incredible work of the Smiling for Smiddy organisation and the Mater foundation that he has become a major sponsor for next year’s event.

Hurry Last Trek of the Year

Booking Fast Limited Places
Kokoda Day Celebration
2 -10 November 2011
Kokoda to Owers Corner. PNG Local Led Trek.

Join us on this special anniversary trek. Special Price of $2595.00 per person - see more here.

May 2011 Photo Winner

KOKODA TRACK 70th Anniversary 2012

“In the footsteps of heroes”

Exclusive Expeditions – Life Changing Adventures

Book your 2012 Kokoda Spirit Trek now.

We have Anzac Treks and Special exclusive commemorative trek dates available now.

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