Walking Forward: Kokoda Lessons for Everyday Life and Work

Camilla Portela

We are officially launching Walking Forward, an innovative new podcast series for students. We aren't just talking about history; we’re walking it. We’re taking the first steps of the journey, where exhaustion tries to make you quit, but you put one foot in front of the other anyway. Whether you are walking with us in Fairfield or listening from afar, it’s time to start your own journey in our walking classroom.

Episodes

  1. Episode 9 Reflection, Resilience & the Road Ahead

    Mar 29

    Episode 9 Reflection, Resilience & the Road Ahead

    At the midpoint of the Kokoda series, this “Pause & Reflect” episode encourages listeners to slow down and reflect on key lessons of mateship, endurance, and survival inspired by the spirit of the Kokoda Track.

    7 min
  2. The Path Remains

    Mar 22

    The Path Remains

    This episode explores the 1942 Battle of Isurava, highlighting how Australia’s outnumbered 39th Battalion held their ground to defend the nation. Using diary entries from John Stewart Clarke, listeners gain a firsthand sense of the harsh conditions and resilience required to endure them. The episode invites reflection on the Isurava Memorial values—Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice—and challenges listeners to apply these principles to overcoming their own weekly challenges.

    16 min
  3. The Angels of the Track

    Mar 15

    The Angels of the Track

    In this episode of The Walking Classroom, we step away from our neighborhood to journey back in time to the mud and rain of the 1942 Kokoda Track campaign. We explore the incredible bond formed between wounded Australian soldiers and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, the local Papua New Guineans who saved countless lives through their resourcefulness and compassion.

    17 min
  4. Ridge of Resilience

    Mar 8

    Ridge of Resilience

    In this episode of The Walking Classroom, we journey to the mist-covered village of Kagi in Papua New Guinea. Positioned on the edge of the brutal "Razorback" ridges, Kagi was more than just a staging area; it was a mental crossroads for the Australian soldiers facing the daunting climb to Brigade Hill.

    10 min
  5. The Long Trek

    Mar 1

    The Long Trek

    "We start together, we finish together." In this episode of The Walking Classroom, we reach the midway point of our journey: the dangerous Efogi Creek in Papua New Guinea. It is known for its steep, V-shaped valleys and unpredictable orange mud; this landmark was a test of resilience for the Australian "Diggers."

    12 min
  6. Mateship in the Mud

    Feb 22

    Mateship in the Mud

    In this episode of The Walking Classroom, we follow Australian soldiers along the difficult section of the Kokoda Track between Naoro and Menari Village in Papua New Guinea. The episode shows how the jungle itself became an enemy, with thick mud, steep climbs, heavy packs, and constant humidity pushing soldiers to their limits. You will learn about the men of the 2/31st Battalion, many of whom were exhausted beyond words, and the vital role of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, whose care and strength helped save many lives. The episode reminds us that true mateship on Kokoda meant sharing suffering and helping others survive.

    10 min
  7. The empty backpack

    Feb 15

    The empty backpack

    In this episode, we learn about Australian soldiers arriving at Naoro Village on the Kokoda Track. The episode highlights mateship, showing how soldiers shared what they had and supported one another when times were tough. It also focuses on resilience, encouraging you to reflect on how you persevere and support others through challenges. The story of the empty backpack reminds us that survival isn’t about what you carry—it’s about who walks beside you.

    11 min
  8. Strength of Us

    Feb 8

    Strength of Us

    Today’s episode is about mateship and walking together. The soldiers on the Kokoda Track faced mud, heat, rain, heavy packs, and exhaustion. However, they survived because they looked out for their mates, slowing down to help carry loads and encouraging one another. This lesson reminds us that big journeys are made of small steps, and no one completes them alone. Supporting others makes us stronger together.

    13 min
  9. Courage to Begin

    Feb 1

    Courage to Begin

    The podcast episode Courage to Begin is a walking classroom lesson that introduces students to Papua New Guinea, focusing on its geography and culture. It weaves in historical facts from the Kokoda Track campaign during World War II to help students understand the physical and mental challenges soldiers faced, while encouraging reflection through movement-based learning.

    14 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

We are officially launching Walking Forward, an innovative new podcast series for students. We aren't just talking about history; we’re walking it. We’re taking the first steps of the journey, where exhaustion tries to make you quit, but you put one foot in front of the other anyway. Whether you are walking with us in Fairfield or listening from afar, it’s time to start your own journey in our walking classroom.

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