39th Battalion Fundraising Luncheon

Thank you to everyone who attended Getaway Trekking’s fundraising luncheon in support of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion Association recently. The Association is working towards creating a Kokoda Information Centre at the 1000 Steps in Ferntree Gully, Victoria.

Guests included Alan Moore (middle), Reverend Peter Holloway (right, giving thanks for our lunch) and Johnny Briscoe (left, next to Ron Barassi) all of the 39th Association. These wonderful men kept us entertained with stories of their exploits and experiences on the Kokoda Track as they faced what was considered a vastly superior Japanese Force. Awe inspiring and moving, their tales were also laced with a healthy dose of the humour for which the Aussie Diggers are known for. Also present were Capt Rupert M. Dalley RFD, S5 8/7 Battalion, Ron Barassi, and Ron’s mate Jack Peters.

The $2,300 raised during the auction on the day added to the more than $13,000 Getaway Trekking and our clients have contributed towards this project. Special mention should be made to Alfred Mallia who fund raised tirelessly, contributing $7,000. Fred has demonstrated enormous respect and commitment to the soldiers of the 39th, and believes passionately in the need for education about the Kokoda Campaign.

For more information on our ‘Walk in the Spirit of a Digger’ Kokoda program for 2012, please click on the links or contact our office for information.

Lest we Forget