KOKODA TREKS MARCH AND SEPT 2016

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1 KOKODA TREKS MARCH AND SEPT 2016 INFORMATION SHEET FOR MATES Facts About the Mates Kokoda Treks Trek April 2016 EOI S Close: 21 December 2015 Trek September 2016 EOI S Close: 16 May 2016 Start and Finish: Duration: Hotels: s: Meals: Brisbane, Australia 10 days 2 Nights Twin Share 7 Nights Single All meals provided It is anticipated that any Mates who live outside of Brisbane will arrive in Brisbane the day before departure. A copy of an itinerary is attached. About Mates4Mates Mates4Mates is a not-for-profit organisation. It is an apolitical and non-religious charitable entity that provides holistic welfare and rehabilitation treatment programs that give direct support to physically and/or psychologically wounded, injured or ill current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families. Mates4Mates works collaboratively with the ADF, other existing public and charitable programs as well as support people or professionals involved in the rehabilitation of the wounded, injured or ill. About Adventure Professionals Mates4Mates has engaged a professional adventure company called Adventure Professionals to conduct this activity. Adventure Professionals is owned and run by Mr Glenn Azar and he will be the Adventure Leader this treks. 1

2 Trip Overview After a 2 ½ hour flight from Australia to Papua New Guinea the group will be picked up in Port Moresby and driven to the hotel for an afternoon of pre adventure briefings and equipment checks. The next day the group will set off to the airport for an early flight to Popondetta Airport, followed by a short drive to Kokoda Village where there will be the first of many battle briefings on Kokoda. From there the group will trek through to Hoi Village and then start the many climbs of the trail as they slowly make their way across Kokoda. At Isuarva Battlefield, the trek leader will give a comprehensive briefing on the battle between the Japanese and Australian troops at this site. There will be time at the memorial to reflect and pay respects to our fallen heroes. The next few days will see the group weave their way through the rugged terrain of the Owen Stanley Ranges as the trek leader recounts the numerous battles along the way. The group will learn more about our heroes including Bruce Kingsbury, Charlie McCallum, Stan and Butch Bissett and many more. There will also be a service at Brigade Hill. On the last night the group will camp on the Goldie River and will attend a local feast with our Papua New Guinea brothers. The next day the group will climb their last hill and march triumphantly and emotionally through the famed arches that mark the end of the Kokoda Trail at Owers Corner. The group will then drive back to Port Moresby and the following day they will start their journey back to Brisbane. 2

3 Physical Training Program To ensure all Mates are physically capable of completing this challenge, they will be required to participate in a 12 week lead-up training program which will be monitored by the Mates4Mates Physical Training and Rehabilitation Managers, with the assistance of Adventure Professionals. For Mates living near an FRC (Brisbane, Townsville or Tasmania), they are strongly encouraged to attend the Mates4Mates group training sessions. For participants who reside outside of Brisbane, they will be provided with a training program and will be guided by Mates4Mates and Adventure Professional Staff. Medical Form All participants are required to complete a Medical Form, which will be passed to Adventure Professionals. Final acceptance on this activity is dependent on medical approval. Vaccinations Vaccinations will be required for the Kokoda Trek and participants are advised to visit a travel doctor. For further information visit Participants will also be strongly urged to take anti-malaria medications throughout your trip so participants will need to discuss this with the travel doctor. Vaccinations and medication are an individual responsibility and cost. Equipment Participants will be required to provide their own personal trekking equipment including boots and clothing. A list of equipment which is provided by Adventure Professionals and Mates4Matees, as well as a list of personal equipment is at attached. Personal Porters Participants may elect to use a personal porter (at Mates4Mates expense) however the participant is responsible for the payment of the tip. Insurance The safety of all participants on any Mates4Mates activity is our highest priority. Mates4Mates has Public Liability Insurance which provides cover where Mates4Mates becomes legally liable to pay compensation as a result of negligence. However, Mates4Mates cannot be held liable where others have caused or contributed to the accident or incident due to their negligence, recklessness or irresponsible conduct this includes both our Mates and members of the public. 3

4 Consequently, all participants will be asked to sign a waiver document stating that: a. they participate in the Kokoda Trek and any lead-up training walks at their own risk (including walks organised by Mates4Mates or individually), b. that they will follow the instructions/directions of any Mates4Mates staff member/s or appointed walk leaders at all times, c. that they will only trek in accordance with professional medical/psychological advice, where they are determined to be physically and psychologically capable and it is safe to do so, d. that they will not be under the influence of alcohol and/or non-prescription drugs and that if they are taking prescription medication, that they are not adversely affected which impacts on their ability to function, e. that they will be responsible for any injuries or damages to any other people, including other trekkers or members of the public, which they may cause by negligent, reckless or irresponsible conduct. Travel Insurance is arranged by Adventure Professionals. Fundraising To allow Mates4Mates to offer opportunities like this free of charge to our Mates and their families now and into the future, our Mates will be asked to fundraise. Most participants elect to fundraise via Everyday Hero, of if they prefer, they may organise other activities as a group, for example a BBQ outside a Bunnings store etc. The fundraising options are flexible and the participants will be supported along the way by the Mates4Mates fundraising team. Via Everyday Hero, each participant will have the ability to create their own online fundraising page. Each donation is recorded on the participant s page along with any messages of support. Every donator receives an instant tax deductible receipt. Media and Public Relations It is anticipated that there will be several public affairs events and opportunities associated with the Kokoda Trek. Media opportunities are likely to include television, radio and print media. Participation in any media activities will be voluntary. Media approval will be sought from the ADF for any current serving members. 4

5 Promotional Material & Photography Participants will be asked to sign a PR Release Form acknowledging that any photographs or video footage taken during this activity, including any lead-up training, remains the property of Mates4Mates. In order to help promote Mates4Mates programs and services, these photographs or videos are often used in power point presentations, slide shows, on the web site and Facebook, in brochures and other promotional materials. Participants who prefer their image not be used will be asked to identify themselves at the beginning of the activity. What are my personal costs? Some of the associated costs for participants include: Participants will require a civilian passport (not official) for this activity, with an expiry date of at least 6 months post travel. Passports are an individual responsibility (and cost) of each participant. All participants will need to provide their some of their own trekking gear see the attached Equipment List. Costs associated with medical appointments, medication and vaccinations. Individuals are expected to provide tip money for porters (approx. $50 AUD for Group Porters and $100 AUD if the participant elects to accept the offer of a personal porter. Spending money. What to do next? If you would like to be considered for the Kokoda Trek, please complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) Form which is available on our website All EOIs will be held until the relevant closing date. After the closing date, all EOI s will be considered as part of a selection process to determine the final participants therefore it s important that there is enough information on the form about how your inclusion on this activity will assist in your rehabilitation. Submission of an EOI does not guarantee you a place on this activity. Mates4Mates is dedicated to helping the Wounded, Injured and Ill and their families now and into the future. As a charity, we must distribute our limited funding wisely and therefore we can offer only a small number of spaces to those we hope will receive the most benefit. Trek April 2016 EOIs Close: 21 December 2015 Trek September 2016 EOIs Close: 16 May 2016 Attached: 1. Itinerary 2. Equipment List 5

6 KOKODA TREK ITINERARY Date Previous Day Day 1 Day 2 Activity Overnight Location Trekking Duration Interstate Participants arrive in Brisbane Farewell BBQ at Mates4Mates (all participants and family) Depart Brisbane International Airport, Arrive Port Moresby Fly to Popondetta and short drive to Kokoda to begin trek Port Moresby Deniki N/A 4 hours Accomm / Meals Hotel (D, B) (interstate participants only) Hotel (D) Day 3 Trek to Alola via Isuarva battlefield Alola 8 hours Day 4 Trek to Templeton s Crossing via Eora Creek Templeton s Crossing 10 hours Day 5 Trek to Efogi via Naduri Efogi 10 hours Day 6 Trek to Brown River via Mission Ridge and Brigade Hill Brown River 10 hours Day 7 Trek to Iribaiwa Village via Iribaiwa Ridge Iribaiwa Village 8 hours Day 8 Trek to Goldie River via the Golden Staircase Goldie River 7 hours Day 9 Day 10 Trek to Owers Corner Port Moresby 6 hours Depart Port Moresby, Arrive Brisbane International Airport Home (B) B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner 6

7 EQUIPMENT LIST Personal checklist Personal clothing for travel to and from Papua New Guinea and dinner on first and last night - you can leave a small bag of gear at the hotel in Port Moresby while you are out on your trek. Mates4Mates Trek Shirt and Night Shirt (you may want to bring a few extra shirts for trekking light and quick drying no cotton) Long pants for wearing at night (no denim) Socks 4-5 pairs Underwear enough for the duration of the trip Lightweight rain jacket 2 pairs trek shorts/long pants 2 3 pairs of Skins or 2XU compression shorts Personal toiletries and wash kit Pack towel and wilderness wash Trekking boots and short gaiters Sandals/flip flops for wearing at the end of the day in camp. Head torch and spare batteries 1 2 Bandanas First aid kit and blister kit (tape or moleskin, band aids, betadine, bandages etc) Personal medicines including your usual medicines gastrointestinal antibiotic (e.g. Ciprofloxacin) gastro treatment (e.g. Imodium) mild pain killers (e.g. Aspirin/paracetamol/ibuprofen) throat lozenges anti-malarial as prescribed. 1 x water containers minimum 2L: e.g. Nalgene wide mouth bottles 1L. Sleeping bag liner (optional) Water-proof bag for sleeping bag (e.g. dry bag or garbage bag) Adjustable trekking pole/s *Optional IPOD and books (optional) Small travel bag to leave gear in at hotel in Port Moresby Snap lock bags and garbage bags to waterproof gear Camera in a water proof container Spending money for phone calls, alcohol and souvenirs in Port Moresby (there is access to ATM s and bankcards are widely accepted) Tip money for porters (approx. $50 AUD for Group Porters and $100AUD for Private Porters) 7

8 Equipment Supplied by Mates4Mates / Adventure Professionals Day pack 30L or 60L pack Sleeping bag, trek pillow and foam mat (you can bring your own therma rest) Single man tent Mates4Mates trek shirt and night shirt (you can keep) Mates4Mates cap (you can keep) Camelback to carry water (to be used as well as the Nalgene water bottles) Sunscreen, hand wash and insect repellent Bowl, cup and spoon Garbage bags, 4 per person Group Equipment Supplied by Mates4Mates / Adventure Professionals Group medical kit (for gastro, trauma, reserve antibiotics) Group cooking equipment 8