About Us

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of the first stage of the Walkway in October 1996. Since then, the Walkway has expanded and become a ‘living memorial’ with a focus on education and commemoration.

To celebrate this important anniversary, we are organising three special events. Each event will highlight the versatility of the Walkway’s facilities as a community hub, whilst also showcasing the Walkway’s important role in commemorating our proud military history.

All events are free, but you must book/register through Eventbrite (for some events) to ensure your place is guaranteed. Bookings will also assist with planning for seating and catering (if included). Further details will be added for each event when confirmed.

For any queries about these special events, please contact us.

See below for some historical photos of the Walkway’s construction.

Celebrate the beauty of orchids and floral design at this special one-day Orchid and Flower Exhibit on Saturday 1 August, presented in partnership with the Five Dock RSL Orchid Society and the Royal Horticultural Society of NSW.

The Ralph Honner Education Centre and deck will come alive with striking orchid and bromeliad displays, complemented by a floral installation created by the RHS.

Visitors are invited to relax and enjoy one of three complimentary tea/coffee+cake sessions in our newly refurbished BBQ facility. Places for these sessions (see below) are limited and bookings are essential via Eventbrite.

A program of informative talks from the Orchid Society, the RHS and KTMW volunteer guides will add depth and interest throughout the day.

3 x Tea/coffee+cake sessions – tickets necessary (held in the undercover BBQ area)

• Tickets MUST be ordered for one of these sessions, due to limited seating capacity.
• Three tea/coffee+cake sessions: 10.30am-11.30am; 12.00-1.00pm; 1.30-2.30pm.
• Two (2) tickets can be registered per person for each session: click on ‘Check Availability’ button to choose a session.
• Note: no dietary choices will be available for the food items.

Exhibitions (no tickets necessary, just turn up)

• Five Dock RSL Orchid Society in the Education Centre
• Bromeliads display in the Education Centre
• Floral Installation by the Royal Horticultural Society NSW on the Deck

Talks (no tickets necessary, just turn up)

• Talks will be conducted in between the tea+cake sessions.
• Guided walkthrough of of the orchid exhibition and RHS NSW installation: 10.00am
• Repotting an orchid: 11.30am
• RHS NSW talk (tba): 1.00pm
• Memorial Centrepiece talks: 11.15am; 12.45pm; 2.15pm

The second event for our 30th anniversary will be an Art Exhibition on Saturday and Sunday, 12-13 September.

Discover a vibrant showcase of creative talent in this special exhibition presented in collaboration with our generous partners: the Drummoyne Art Society, City of Canada Bay Council and RSL NSW.

Visitors can also enjoy a free BBQ lunch on both days (12.00-1.00pm), proudly supported by Five Dock Rotary.

A marquee in Rhodes Park, close to the Memorial Centrepiece, will display a diverse collection of artworks in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Short talks presented by KTMW volunteers will offer fascinating insights into the etchings of the Memorial Centrepiece and the significance of individual stations in the Kokoda campaign.

There is no charge for any events over the two days, but please RSVP at admin@kokodawalkway.com.au with numbers attending for catering purposes.

Art demonstrations and workshops are also being explored, with further details to be announced.

The final of our special events will be for military history fans: Movie Night at the Walkway, featuring a public screening of the 2006 film Kokoda (rated M) in Rhodes Park (commencing 8.00pm), offering a memorable evening of film, history and community. Our thanks to Roadshow PPL for the Kokoda screening licence.

Activities ahead of the screening:

• Talk 1: Robyn Kienzle will present ‘On the Trail of an Extraordinary Man: Captain Bert Kienzle, The Architect of Kokoda’, sharing insights from her book Architect of Kokoda, telling the story of Bert Kienzle through a deeply personal and historical lens, alongside Soc Kienzle.
• Talk 2: Dr Jan McLeod will present ‘Long Shadows: Revisiting Private Nick Kennedy’s Diary of the Kokoda Campaign‘, based on her Kokoda-related writing and research in her two books Shadows on the Track and All the Broken Soldiers.
• Tickets for the film screening and guest talks will be available via Eventbrite.
• The Education Centre will also feature Kokoda-related memorabilia displays from Soc and Robyn Kienzle and Jan McLeod, adding another rich dimension to the evening.
• KTMW volunteer guides will lead tours of the Memorial Centrepiece, offering visitors a deeper connection to the Walkway and its stories.
• Before the screening begins, guests can enjoy dinner from one of our market food stalls.
• Guests may also purchase quality second-hand military history books and DVDs.

The tentative schedule is:

4.00pm: Memorabilia display opens, military history book/DVD sales commence, food stalls open.

5.35pm, 5.50pm, 7.10pm: Memorial Centrepiece tours (meet at Centrepiece).

4.30-5.30pm: talk by Robyn and Soc Kienzle (bookings required)

6.00-7.00pm: talk by Dr Jan McLeod (bookings required)

8.00-9.45pm: screening of ‘Kokoda’ film (rated M) under cover near the covered BBQ facilities. Bring your own beanbag or low chair (bookings required).