Finding Mateship on the Kokoda
As an avid ANZAC fan and history buff, the Kokoda Track had always been a possibility for this Bar Beach event and community relations manager. However, she never realised this jungle jaunt would change her perspective on life.
In November 2013, Michelle Faithfull landed in Papua New Guinea for a 10-day fundraising trek for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service on the 96-kilometre Kokoda Track. One of the world’s most spectacular and challenging treks, Kokoda encompasses rugged mountain terrain, World War II history and local culture.
“Kokoda is the hardest thing I have ever done. I am proud I did it. The trek sent me on a path of thinking that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I just need to start somewhere,” Michelle said.
She learnt when feeling overwhelmed, to break it down into one step at a time. Then build this step into one minute, kilometre, hour, day, night, week. Before she knew it, she was at the end of the track and had achieved it.
“I reflect back to the trek, a lot and take this analogy with me throughout my life.”
For a year, before the trek, Michelle trained hard, to ensure she was physically prepared. She also worked on her mindset, as Michelle was terrified of sustaining an injury that ironically would see her rescued by a helicopter and potentially not make it to the end.
On the track, she experienced draining days due to the terrain, humidity, kilometres and being one of only two women in the 30-plus group. Michelle also discovered that when she was being pushed beyond her limits, the people in the group became her saviours.
“In these stress environments, we depend on mateship, I know it sounds cliché. As humans, with no family or friends around, we need to depend, reach out and connect to others. In this situation, it organically happens.”
On day seven, this hit home for Michelle when she became ill tackling Menari Gap, a vertical climb for more than an hour in the mid-day steaming heat with no rainforest-canopy shelter. Michelle was sucking down water and reached the top overhydrated, sick and ready to collapse. The group rallied, supplying her with electrolytes, taking her pack and planning to carry it for the rest of the day.
“I was overwhelmed and emotional. Feeling guilty as they took on my pack, I was also quite teary and grateful to be hanging out with an awesome bunch of caring people. That “mateship” trait was coming out in all of us – this was a poignant moment for me.”
Michelle considers it also to be a highlight. Along with the porters sharing their simple lives, singing and happiness as well as learning about herself, especially the rewards from being vulnerable and engaging with her fear.
“Kokoda was a game-changer for me. I learnt to understand the spiritual side of trekking and travelling, in particular, that we are the same – all people, whether a traveller or a local.”
Travel had always been on Michelle’s bucket list. However, a new world of travel and experiences came with fundraising treks and becoming a tour leader. Her trips include the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu (Peru), the Camino de Santiago trail (Spain), South Island trek (New Zealand). She also wants to return to Ireland, Peru, Spain and go to Nepal.
“I miss travel with purpose and the perspective it gives you. When the borders open, I would love to lead a trek in Ireland.”
In the meantime, Michelle is focussing on other fundraising activities like her 10th Divas on the Green for Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, which she started to raise funds for her first trek to China. Last year the event sold out but cancelled due to COVID lockdown. With crossed fingers, Michelle hopes it will go ahead in May.
