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80th Anniversary of Kokoda Day, Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach, QLD

[E&OE]

Good morning.

I respectfully acknowledge the people of the Yugambeh language region, the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and pay my respect to their elders past and present, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples here today.

It is a privilege for Linda and me to be with you for this 80th anniversary Kokoda Day commemorative event and related events this day.

I want to acknowledge the families and colleagues of the brave men we are honouring today – the more than 600 Australian soldiers who were killed and the 1600 who were wounded in the battles along the Kokoda Track.

I also want to acknowledge the Papua and New Guinea indentured carriers who supported our whole-of-service effort during perhaps our darkest days of World War 2. The support of the ‘green shadows’ was integral to the success of the campaign.

More Australians died in the seven months of fighting in the former Papua than in any other campaign.

We remember them. We honour them. We also acknowledge the impact of their service on families and friends back home.

It is important that we do that.

Why does the story of Kokoda, like Gallipoli, transcend the battle and resonate so strongly with us today?

Why have, over the last decade alone, more than 54,600 Australians, of all ages and from all walks of life, made the pilgrimage to Papua New Guinea and trekked the Kokoda Track?

Many of our veterans and many families of Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan walk the Kokoda Track to help in the healing process.

Aspiring young leaders view a Kokoda experience as essential to their personal development.

The story of Kokoda both captivates and lives on today, 80 years on.

Here, in part, is, I think why.

First, to pay our respects to those who have served and sacrificed. As we do today.

The second reason goes a little deeper. There is a spiritual connection and degree of personal fulfilment that comes with experiencing a sense of place, particularly one of such importance in Australia’s military history. To walk on the Owen Stanley Range and to think about the sacrifices made by our Defence forces helps put one’s own life into perspective.

The character traits displayed by our men at Kokoda, like their Anzac forebears at Gallipoli, help inform our identity and the way we think and behave.

Kokoda, like Gallipoli, has come to represent characteristics such as mateship, endurance, courage and sacrifice. They are the characteristics to which all Australians today should aspire to live up to. Many of course do.

No finer example are the selfless actions of many ordinary Australians in our disaster-affected communities. Mateship, endurance, courage and sacrifice have been on display and writ large across communities adversely impacted by the recent floods in South-East Queensland and New South Wales.

It is easy to appreciate how so many Australians return from their Kokoda trekking experience forever changed.

They have been inspired to conquer whatever challenges they will inevitably face. They are ready to better contribute to their community.

We remember on this 80th anniversary of Kokoda Day for a reason.

We are proud of our Kokoda forebears.

Let us make them proud of us.

Lest we forget.

[Ends]