STORY - A Kokoda Journey

 

A Kokoda Journey

This painting tells the story of my 2017 Kokoda trail journey. I was fortunate enough to be a worker at one of the chosen schools to attend the Kokoda trail on a special Reconciliation Trek (in collaboration with Reconciliation SA). Myself, two students and a Deputy Principal represented our school and were allocated an Aboriginal soldier to research for the trek.

We began physical training 1 year out from the trek commencing and researched our soldier, Harold West in as much detail as we could find. The journey I took on this trek, was both physical, mental and spiritual. I felt so honoured to be able to tell Harold’s story and to have a memorial at the point on the track he lost his life.

Each campsite on this painting, represents a village or resting place we stopped at along the track.

The Kokoda trail was transformative for my own personal growth. I feel so proud of the fact I was able to complete the trek, but also that I was able to bring awareness to the bravery and story of Harold West, who was killed on the track. I saw so many similarities between our culture and the Papua New Guinea culture.

I would like to dedicate this painting to the bravery of Harold West.