Private Harold West and Private George Leonard from Cunnamulla in Western Queensland were inseparable. They did everything together including enlisting for the Second World War on 23 August 1941, as reinforcements for the 2/1st Battalion. As young boys, they were taught to live off the land and how to track. They became bushman trackers and worked as stationhands, ringbarkers and roustabouts. These skills, along with the ability to move quietly and invisibly through the bush were to come in very handy when their battalion found itself desperately fighting to hold off the Japanese advance on the Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea in 1942. 
 


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Private Harold West and Private George Leonard from Cunnamulla in Western Queensland were inseparable. They did everything together including enlisting for the Second&nbsp;World War on 23 August 1941, as reinforcements for the 2/1st&nbsp;Battalion.&nbsp;As young boys, they were taught to live off the land and how to track.&nbsp;They became bushman trackers and worked as stationhands, ringbarkers and roustabouts.&nbsp;These skills, along with the ability to move quietly and invisibly through the bush were to come in very handy when their battalion found itself desperately fighting to hold off the Japanese advance on the Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea in 1942. &#10;&nbsp; <hr>See <a style='color: grey; ' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

An insight into the lessons learnt from people that have trekked the Kokoda Track in PNG. We will interview trek leaders, local PNG villagers and trekkers who have undertaken the arduous 96km jungle trek.

Kokoda Track

Harold West and George Leonard - Aboriginal Warriors

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Graham Murphy, a 59-year-old truck driver who's just completed the grueling Kokoda Track. Graham shares his inspiring story of perseverance, from being told by his doctor he wouldn't make it to his 40th birthday due to his health, to training on the road and overcoming numerous setbacks, including COVID-19 and track closures. He opens up about his mental and physical challenges, the importance of having a porter, and the life-changing experience of completing the track.


This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Graham Murphy, a 59-year-old truck driver who's just completed the grueling Kokoda Track. Graham shares his inspiring story of perseverance, from being told by his doctor he wouldn't make it to his 40th birthday due to his health, to training on the road and overcoming numerous setbacks, including COVID-19 and track closures. He opens up about his mental and physical challenges, the importance of having a porter, and the life-changing experience of completing the track. This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

Graeme Murphy - Told he'd be dead by 40yo crosses Kokoda at 59yo

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/a821c655-6e02-4d4a-974f-b3de0079dc92/transcript

Tok Pisin on Kokoda: Language as Respect

Language is one of the simplest — and most powerful — ways to show respect on the Kokoda Track. In this first episode of the Cultural Series on The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores Tok Pisin, one of Papua New Guinea’s main languages, and explains why learning just a few basic phrases can completely change how trekkers are received along the Track. This episode goes beyond memorising words. It explains why Tok Pisin is not “broken English,” why effort matters more than perfect pronunciation, and how language signals humility, awareness, and respect in village environments. Drawing on years of experience on the Track and cultural insight gained through family connection, this episode sets the foundation for how trekkers should think about communication, behaviour, and respect on Kokoda. This is an essential listen for anyone preparing to walk the Track — and a reminder that Kokoda is not just a physical journey, but a human one.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What Tok Pisin is and why it matters on Kokoda
Essential greetings and phrases every trekker should know
Why greetings and goodbyes are culturally important
How language changes interactions in villages
The difference between effort and performance when using Tok Pisin
Why respect on Kokoda often begins with simple words

This episode forms the foundation of an ongoing cultural series woven throughout the podcast. In the next cultural episode, we’ll explore village etiquette on Kokoda — including behaviour, boundaries, photography, and how trekkers are remembered long after they leave.

 

This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

Tok Pisin on Kokoda: Language as Respect Language is one of the simplest &mdash; and most powerful &mdash; ways to show respect on the Kokoda Track. In this first episode of the Cultural Series on The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores&nbsp;Tok Pisin, one of Papua New Guinea&rsquo;s main languages, and explains why learning just a few basic phrases can completely change how trekkers are received along the Track. This episode goes beyond memorising words. It explains why Tok Pisin is not &ldquo;broken English,&rdquo; why effort matters more than perfect pronunciation, and how language signals humility, awareness, and respect in village environments. Drawing on years of experience on the Track and cultural insight gained through family connection, this episode sets the foundation for how trekkers should think about communication, behaviour, and respect on Kokoda. This is an essential listen for anyone preparing to walk the Track &mdash; and a reminder that Kokoda is not just a physical journey, but a human one.
<hr>
In This Episode, You&rsquo;ll Learn:
<ul data-end="1771" data-start="1425">
<li>What Tok Pisin is and why it matters on Kokoda</li>
<li>Essential greetings and phrases every trekker should know</li>
<li>Why greetings and goodbyes are culturally important</li>
<li>How language changes interactions in villages</li>
<li>The difference between effort and performance when using Tok Pisin</li>
<li>Why respect on Kokoda often begins with simple words</li>
</ul>
<hr>
This episode forms the foundation of an ongoing cultural series woven throughout the podcast. In the next cultural episode, we&rsquo;ll explore&nbsp;village etiquette on Kokoda&nbsp;&mdash; including behaviour, boundaries, photography, and how trekkers are remembered long after they leave.
&nbsp;
This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

Cultural Episode - Tok Pisin on Kokoda Language as Respect

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/801796f8-aa64-4ef9-ae70-b3d600443cac/transcript

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Kevin, a dad who trekked the Kokoda Track with his adult kids and their partners. Kevin shares his unique perspective on the experience, highlighting the importance of family bonding and the challenges of tackling the grueling 96-kilometer trek. He opens up about his own personal growth, the impact of the journey on his kids, and the lessons learned along the way. From the physical and mental demands of the track to the emotional highs and lows, Kevin's story is a must-listen for anyone considering the Kokoda Track adventure.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Kevin, a dad who trekked the Kokoda Track with his adult kids and their partners. Kevin shares his unique perspective on the experience, highlighting the importance of family bonding and the challenges of tackling the grueling 96-kilometer trek. He opens up about his own personal growth, the impact of the journey on his kids, and the lessons learned along the way. From the physical and mental demands of the track to the emotional highs and lows, Kevin's story is a must-listen for anyone considering the Kokoda Track adventure. This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

Kevin treks Kokoda with his adult kids

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/25d84c8b-535f-48d5-9d0d-b3da003c44ca/transcript

Harold West and George Leonard - Aboriginal Warriors

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