Kokoda

Adventure Kokoda granted leave by court

The decision was made on June 8th and will return to court on July 7th for further directions. 

This case follows the decision by the Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Simon Kilepa, to cancel Adventure Kokoda’s commercial tour operator’s licence on April 24th, 2023.

Kilepa is the first defendant, the second defendant is acting chief executive officer of Kokoda Track Local-Level Government Special Purposes Authority, Julius Wargirai, and the third defendant is the Kokoda Track Local-Level Government Special Purposes Authority.

Hygiene kits provide dignity for Kokoda women

With the support of the Australian government’s Kokoda Initiative, the Seif Meri Mun project involves basic sewing training and the production of 500 kits each by Network Kokoda in Sogeri and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) at Kokoda Station.

Sewing trainer and facilitator, Nina Boydell, said the project aims to assist women and girls in Papua New Guinea to better manage menstruation with dignity by supplying free reusable sanitary products to women in remote communities.

Rural Kokoda powered up

During an official handover ceremony in early November, the first of the communities – Alola, Abuari and Isurava Battlefield – received solar kits to be installed in homes, schools and health facilities.

Through the Kokoda Initiative, the Australian government is partnering with the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) to roll out basic solar systems to off-grid communities across the region.

Alola community leader David Soru received a solar kit, including solar panels, batteries and lights, and was thankful for the benefits solar power will bring to the remote village.

Dates set for 75th anniversary of the Kokoda

 

At a press conference today, Chairman of the Kokoda Track Central Secretariat, Phillip Batia said the confirmed dates are:

1) Corporate Dinner at the Gateway Hotel (September 2)

2) Endurance Marathon along the Kokoda Track (September 9-10)

3) Fuzzy Wuzzy Nines at the National Football Stadium (September 11-15)

4) Cultural Show (September 16)

“The 75th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign is very important to the people of PNG and also Australia. We decided we should celebrate the significance of this with some events”, said Batia.

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Kulang hails naming of aircraft ‘Kokoda’

Minister Kulang said the name Kokoda, not only symbolises a significant part of our war history but that of our neighbours in Australia and the name also remains synonymous with the rest of the world.  

“Kokoda remains a flagship tourism product for PNG and by naming its latest Fokker 70 Kokoda, the Board and Management of Air Niugini have given more meaning and significance to the idles and values that define the history of the battle of Kokoda,” said Mr Kulang.

Spirit of service and sacrifice must remain with young

O’Neill said this during the Dawn Service commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the ANZAC Day.

Many young people from Australia, New Zealand, and PNG were present during the commemoration and the Prime Minister welcomed them to pay their respects.

“The spirit of service and the commemoration of sacrifice must live with our young generation. Young Papua new Guineas, young Australians, New Zealanders, British, the American, Japanese and all other nations must learn from the lessons of war,” he said.

Juffa warns Kokoda people to be vigilant

Juffa made the call after an individual by the name of Kila Sibolo held meetings and misled many people especially ward councilors and community leaders.

Sibolo alleged to call meetings in regards to a grant of K500,000 for the Kokoda station redevelopment.

However, Juffa clarified that the K500,000 is a grant for the provincial government to use as part of its Kokoda development initiative to rebuild Kokoda.

Juffa said Sibolo has lied to many of the people of Kokoda to claim that the grant was for landowner projects.

Juffa calls for calm along Kokoda highway

Properties destroyed include the burning down of houses, roadblocks and stoning of vehicles owned by the Sime Darby Oilpalm Company.

Juffa has asked for calm and has advised the community to work with leaders and Police to hand over the suspect immediately.

Juffa told Loop PNG that it is rumoured the suspect who is known has been responsible for 10 murders and has never been caught.

It is also alleged that he had been released early this year when he had been charged by a policeman who had been bribed.

Kokoda lifesavers now saving money

The program brought BSP rural agents to Kokoda and Sogeri, in Central Province, to enable Village Health Volunteers (VHV) to complete the necessary paperwork.

VHVs are paid allowances when they take part in Kokoda Initiative health patrols and other activities. Now they can be paid directly into their bank accounts, eliminating the risks of carrying large amounts of cash into remote communities.

People’s love for rugby is beyond expectation

When there is no proper seats, no proper fencing and field boundaries but the people’s love for the footy goes beyond expectation.

Today, hundreds of people surrounded the Sogeri Rugby League field to witness the A grade Grand final match of the Eda Ranu Koiari Rugby League competition.

Surrounding villagers as far as from the inland Kokoda and the Owen stanley range walked to the station to watch and support their local village teams.

Families and relatives including fans cheer, support and danced with pride and enthusiasm around the field.