Police officers, at-risk young people and future leaders from the west have joined forces to tackle the Kokoda Track.
The group undertook the gruelling assignment over eight days, using teamwork, trust and friendship to get them through.
Acting Superintendent Adrian Healy said the trek was a success in more ways than one.
“Three-quarters of the youths that took part in this were at-risk, so part of this was building a sense of trust,” he said.
“There’s been a number of police programs go to Kokoda and I think part of the reasoning behind that is that it builds on the qualities of the army. However, for me one of the best aspects of this was the friendships formed. We had five different cultures represented on this trip and the conversations that took place were really enlightening.”
Acting Superintendent Healy said the historical context of the track also played a prominent role.
“There were things we saw which put things into perspective,” he said. “When you think of the heroic efforts of the soldiers – coupled with starvation, injury and snipers – our efforts seem insignificant.”
Mr Healy said the group put months of preparation in before taking on the trek.
“In total it was eight days and seven nights carrying 15 to 20-kilogram packs, so it required some preparation,” he said.
