Speeches
Wednesday, 13 August 2025
Reception for Trojan’s Trek
As patron of Trojan’s Trek, I warmly welcome you to Government House.
This evening we gather to celebrate the work of Trojan’s Trek, its generous supporters and the participants who will be walking the Kokoda Track in September.
As Governor it is my privilege to engage with veterans and first responders, to hear their stories, to recognise their efforts and to learn about the significant challenges they’ve faced, such as reintegration to civilian life after service.
There’s no doubt that traumatic experiences can be part of the job for members of the defence force, police and first responders.
Trauma affects people differently. Due to cost and accessibility, traditional therapies may not be available to everyone, or be sufficient for everyone.
The act of walking - in pilgrimage, hiking and trekking - has been an important human endeavour for centuries.
Now science is beginning to help us understand why walking, particularly in nature, is so beneficial for our wellbeing.
The sights, sounds and smells of the bush, as well as the rhythmic nature of walking, calm the nervous system, promoting a sense of peace and inviting introspection.
Time in nature has even been shown to boost immune function, increasing the activity of our natural killer cells which fight infection and cancer.[1]
Group pilgrimages and treks also give participants a sense of community and a shared goal, both of which can boost our wellbeing.
It’s no surprise then that taking part in a Trojan’s Trek can powerfully reconnect veterans and first responders with themselves, their values and their sense of purpose.
I’m pleased to see that, since its inception in 2009, Trojan’s Trek has grown significantly, offering treks first here in South Australia, then interstate, and now on the Kokoda trail.
I congratulate the organisation on supporting more than 60 veterans and first responders per year through its treks, providing a life-changing experience for those involved.
This evening we celebrate the participants who will, next month, walk the Kokoda Trail.[2]
I admire your strength and courage to take on what is one of the most challenging treks in the world.
Your trek will pay tribute to the Australian servicemen who fought at Kokoda during the Second World War, and the Papuan people who helped them.
I note your personal commitment to generating support for a range of worthy causes through the fundraising component of this trek.
I thank the Trojan’s Trek board and its energetic group of volunteers who work on the treks as guides and cooks, and also perform other roles like administrative support.
I thank the donors and supporters with us this evening, for their generous support.
As individuals and as a collective, your dedication to the defence and first-responder communities is commendable, as is your belief in the transformative power of the treks.
I wish Trojan’s Trek all the very best for the future as it continues to guide participants on a journey of rediscovery, empowering them to reconnect with themselves and to build healthy, fulfilling lives.
[1] https://nutritionfacts.org/blog/forest-bathing-to-boost-anticancer-immunity/
[2] https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/trojanstrek-kokoda-2025/