February 27, 2017
Kingaroy resident Peter Ranasinghe is used to shepherding Australian tour groups on treks along the challenging Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
But last week he had the pleasant task of guiding a group of PNG porters in the much-less challenging environs of the Kingaroy RSL Club.
Peter is a guide with “No Roads Expeditions” and the visiting porters are among those who work with the company on the PNG treks.
Every year No Roads selects 10 porters to come to Australia as thanks for their continued service.
The visit to the RSL Club had special significance as 2017 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kokoda.
During that battle – and throughout the New Guinea campaign – porters carried supplies to troops and stretchered wounded or ill Aussies back to receive medical help.
The Diggers affectionately dubbed the porters “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels”.
Some of the porters visiting Kingaroy last week were the grandchildren of those original Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.
“Anyone who has trekked through the central Kokoda area will agree these guys are awesome,” Peter said.
Peter said he would like to thank local businesses who donated raffle items for the night: Kingaroy Equipment Sales (spotlights), Kingaroy Butchery (meat trays), Magpies (voucher) and BCF (rod and reel package).
“We also had previous trekkers donating money and gifts for raffles,” Peter said. “I would also like to thank the RSL Sub-Branch for their support, and everyone who came along and asked questions and shared the night with the porters.”
Footnote: southburnett.com.au noted that we didn’t hear one complaint from the visitors about the state of South Burnett roads …
Related articles:
External link: Kokoda Track Commemoration
