Anzac Day Kokoda trek raises $18,000
Squadron Leader Adon Lumley has returned from one of Australia’s most iconic military pilgrimage sites after completing the legendary Kokoda Trail – a 96km trek through the remote Owen Stanley Ranges of Papua New Guinea – in support of Bravery Trust.
CAPTION: Space Command’s Squadron Leader Adon Lumley on the Kokoda Trail, raising vital funds for veteran support while reflecting on courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. Story by Rosemary Ball.
As an in-service ambassador for Bravery Trust since August 2023, Squadron Leader Lumley joined the charity’s Anzac Day Kokoda trek to raise awareness and funds for veterans experiencing financial hardship.
His campaign raised more than $18,000, helping to fund emergency support, financial counselling and long-term resilience programs for current and former ADF personnel.
The trek had Squadron Leader Lumley and his group ascend more than 5000 metres of elevation across seven days, traversing rugged jungle, steep ridge lines, and flooded rivers in intense tropical conditions.
“The Kokoda Trail is relentless, unforgiving and beautiful,” Squadron Leader Lumley said.
“It demands your respect. It humbles you. I thought I was well travelled and physically capable, but this was something else. It reminded me just how important resilience is, and how fortunate we are thanks to ordinary Australians who did the extraordinary.”
The group began their journey at Kokoda village, trekking through Deniki, Isurava, Alola, Brigade Hill, Menari, and across the notorious ‘nine false summits’ before reaching their final destination at Owers’ Corner.
Anzac Day was spent at Brigade Hill, where Squadron Leader Lumley led the group in reciting the Ode, surrounded by Australian and Papua New Guinean flags marking the fallen.
“To stand where Australians fought and died was deeply emotional,” Squadron Leader Lumley said.
“You can’t be there and not feel humbled. You have to earn the right to stand on Brigade Hill on Anzac Day.”
In true Kokoda fashion, the group endured heavy rain, swamp crossings, river wades and long days, including 11 hours of trekking on day six.
“There were moments I thought of quitting; however, you remember, this isn’t about you. It is about honouring those who never had that choice,” Squadron Leader Lumley said.
“It’s about supporting those who are still fighting their own battles today.”
Commander of Space Command, Major General Greg Novak, said: “Adon’s a greatly valued member of our Space Command team and we’re all incredibly proud of his efforts. He’s a wonderful in-service ambassador for Bravery Trust, and has been a fine representative of Joint Capabilities Group, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the wider ADF throughout this trek.”
Bravery Trust provides confidential, independent financial support to current and former members of the ADF. This includes emergency relief for housing, medical and transport costs, as well as long-term financial counselling tailored for veterans and their families.
CAPTION: Space Command’s Squadron Leader Adon Lumley on the Kokoda Trail.
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