Duo complete trek of a lifetime

Hiking around picturesque waterfalls and rocky crops of the dense Papua New Guinea jungle was a tough challenge for Warnbro and Orelia teenagers earlier this month, when they tackled the Kokoda Trail.

As members of Rockingham Youth Focus, 17-year-old Denham Ansell, of Orelia, and Warnbro 18-year-old Hannah Becsi were part of a group of seven WA students who were offered a unique scholarship, courtesy of ambassador Bill James, The Flight Centre Foundation and On Track Expeditions, to complete the adventure component of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The two said they were ambitious to sign up for the Kokoda trek, admitting the adventure challenge did not have to be as extreme as theirs was but were grateful for the opportunity.

In the lead up to the eight-day trek, the group underwent two training sessions a week, as well as individual exercise plans to strengthen the necessary muscles for the expedition.

However, according to Denham, the training was not nearly enough preparation.

“Everything was completely different, very shocking and we were forced to learn on the job,” he said.

“It took about four days to get used to the style of walking, but once I did I was able to take in the scenery and the significance of where we were and learn how the village people lived.”

The pair said the experience was a “real culture shock”.

“There were limited creature comforts, we were sleeping on wood and there was no clean water,” Hannah said.

“The porters and village people were great and took us in like we were family.

“They were always smiling even though they had the bare minimum — we kept waiting for the catch but it never came.”

Hannah said their attitude to life was inspiring, especially the way they treated family.

“The village people made you feel as though we had nothing to stress over, it put our worries into perspective.”

Hannah said the experience left a positive impression on her and how she would live her life.

“It has affected my lifestyle — I’m grateful for what I’ve got and am inspired to live healthier,” she said.

Denham agreed the trek was thought provoking, especially the relationship built by the Papuan’s during World War II.

“Each area significant to the war that we came across, we were made to pay our respects,” he said.

“The guides would explain what took place at the site and where the enemy was coming from.”

Denham said he was shocked to discover soldiers were still being found in the jungle today.

The pair agreed at the time of the trek that it was not fun and all they wanted was for the day to end and to get to the next village so they could relax and socialise.

Since returning and upon reflection, the two said they enjoyed learning about other people’s lives and want to continue exploring cultures off the beaten track. Hannah and Denham said aside from the inspiration, the trip sprouted new friendships.

“Despite not knowing each other, we supported each other because we wanted each other to succeed,” Hannah said.

“We became really close because we understood how each other was feeling.”

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Australia is a leading youth development program which aims to empower youth, aged 14 to 25 years old, to explore their full potential regardless of circumstances.

Through the award’s requirements, each participant embarks on a journey of self-discovery by learning a skill, improving their fitness, volunteering in their community and completing an adventure.