Coming up to ANZAC Day I’ve been thinking a lot about the ANZAC spirit and attitudes of Courage, Mateship, Endurance and Sacrifice. Spending a week in Kokoda last year with WW2 veterans gave me incredible insights into life under fire and the absolute essentials for survival that could only be self-managed – the soldiers own…
A challenge lies before me. How to share last week’s excitement, adventure and privilege without it turning into a book?! I first met Captain Bede Tongs MM (Military Medal) and his son Garry in Kokoda last year, when I travelled with my Grandfather for the 70 year anniversary of the Kokoda campaign. We really connected so…
More Gems from Bede Tongs Last night I had the honour of speaking to West Dubbo Rotary, a room full of Difference-Makers. Some had been to Kokoda, some had “done the track” or lived there, and they really appreciated hearing our Kokoda story. If you’ve seen my previous blogs and photos you’ll recognise Bede Tongs…
Common theme this week – “A positive outlook is essential for survival” – a comment by Bede Tongs in a letter he sent me. He led his men on the Kokoda trail and in other areas during WW2 and as I’ve already written, it was an immense privilege to get to know Bede and his…
Just a few pics to give a little insight into an amazing week. See previous blogs for more stories – and there will be more coming soon! Enjoy. Cheering you on, Kerrie
Bede Tongs is one of my new friends from our Kokoda Trip, and his belief in the power of a positive attitude and a smile was something special that connected us. I’ve just received Bede’s book in the mail – and it is so incredibly moving. I read some of it in Kokoda, a borrowed…
Day One in Kokoda – meeting “Queen Priscilla” and enjoying the view from her backyard. (I heard someone refer to her as Queen of Kokoda, and with her attitude of care for her community, it fits!) We were standing on the edge of a cliff at the back of her guesthouse property, looking over the…
by Kerrie Phipps Unpacking thinking, notes, photos and videos from my time in Kokoda – so we start with a snippet including a video – Day 2 in Kokoda (below) Sunday 28 October, travel to Port Moresby via Brisbane, where we met our first Papuan friend, Amos. Facebook friends saw the photo (my last post…