Presentation on Military Heritage by Philip McNamara
KOKODA TRAIL
The Military Heritage Experience
Philip McNamara
Chair Network Kokoda
My Kokoda and PNG Background
Military Heritage Experience
• Quality varies greatly from location to location
• Depends on the knowledge and skill of the trek leader and the time allocated to heritage
activities
• Lack of formal acknowledgement of the PNG contribution, both Fuzzy Wuzzy and Papuan
Infantry Battalion
Isurava
Image: the Isurava monument
Kokoda Plateau
Image: the Kokoda Plateau
Brigade Hill
Image: a monument at Brigade Hill
Military Heritage Experience
• Quality varies greatly from location to location
• Depends on the knowledge and skill of the trek leader and the time allocated to heritage
activities
• Lack of formal acknowledgement of the PNG contribution, both Fuzzy Wuzzy and Papuan
Infantry Battalion
Image: Fuzzy Wuzzy Ovuru with Friend
1942 -The 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Kokoda
• No announcements of any planned commemoration activities
• The Kokoda veteran’s are thinning fast and there will not be many still with us for the 75th in
2017
The Experience Can Be Improved
• Network Kokoda has proposed that a Heritage Interpretation Plan and Implementation
Strategy be produced using a panel of historical and interpretation experts
• All stakeholders in Australia and PNG invited to have input
• Suggest expertise of Michael Pender be used
• We owe it to the memory of the brave soldiers who fought the battles
A Message from the Trekkers
• To enhance the experience let the Trail remain in the condition the soldiers endured
• It does not need improvements, steps cut or fancy bridges
• Thanks for your attention!
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