About Us

Commemoration

The public are welcome to attend any of our commemorative or wreath-laying services.

Each year the Walkway hosts commemorative services for Anzac, Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day and Kokoda Day, and other informal wreath-laying services.

COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES

For over 25 years, the Walkway has proudly hosted regular commemorative services. The main three formal services held are for Anzac Day (the weekend before the day), Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day (15 August) and Kokoda Day (3 November).

The public are welcome to attend all services.

The Walkway also hosts less formal wreath-laying events to commemorate other significant dates associated with the Papua New Guinea campaign, and other notable commemoration dates, such as Remembrance Day.

Also, the Walkway is often visited by individuals or groups with a commemoration or defence background who also take the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Memorial Centrepiece.

 

The public are welcome to attend any scheduled service at the Walkway.

COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE FORMATS

Formal commemorative events

Typically, our three main large services are held outdoors, adjacent to the Memorial Centrepiece, where covered seating is provided. Each service includes an address from a special guest, a visual ‘reflection’ on the large screen and a wreath laying ceremony.

We welcome members of the public, as well as those representing schools or community groups, serving or former members of the Australian Defence Force, ex-service organisations or other interested individuals, especially family members of those who served in PNG and during the Kokoda campaign.

Planning for events begins well ahead of the date, and should you wish to receive an invitation or further details please contact us.

 

Informal wreath laying events

For the less formal wreath-laying events, interested ex-service groups or individuals are welcome to lay a wreath or a poppy at the Centrepiece at the scheduled time. These events are noted below.

 

Other commemorative activities

The Board hosts visiting individuals or groups with a commemoration or defence background who wish to visit the Walkway, often paying their respects and lay a wreath at the Memorial Centrepiece (see the News & Events page for selected images).

The beautiful Memorial Rose Garden, a stunning permanent commemorative display, features over 500 plaques. Our ‘Stories from the Plaques’ series tells the stories of some who have a plaque in the Memorial Rose Garden.

The ‘Beyond the Battlefield’ series will highlight military history-related events, as a tribute to those who served.

 

Assistance at events

The Walkway is grateful for assistance at all events, and if you would like to become a supporter or volunteer,  please let us know.

 

Post events (images/feedback)

Following most events, a selection of images are posted on our News & Events  and YouTube pages.

We are constantly reviewing our commemorative events, and welcome any feedback from you about an event you have attended.

 

Our commemorative events are meticulously planned, and are attended by a large representation from many community and ex-service organisations.

DATES FOR SERVICES

Formal services in 2024

Anzac Service: Saturday 20 April: guest speaker was Captain Richard Brickacek CSC, DSM, RAN. See here for images from the day, plus videos featuring the day’s service and the moving visual reflection.

VP Day: Thursday 15 August 2.00pm

Kokoda Day: Sunday 3 November 10.30am

 

Services held in 2023

Kokoda Day: Friday 3 November 2023. See here for images from the day.

VP Day: Tuesday 15 August 2023. See here for images from the day.

Anzac Service: Saturday 22 April 2023. See here for images from the day.

Informal services 

  • 80th anniversary of Battle for Sanananda (1943): Sunday 22 January 2023. See here for images from the service.
  • Vietnam Veterans’ Day: Friday 18 August 2023. See here for images from this service.
  • Remembrance Day: Saturday 11 November 2023. See here for images from this service.

Please note the dates for scheduled services in 2024.

SUPPORT THE WALKWAY

The Walkway’s success is dependent on the goodwill and services of many volunteers. You may wish to support the Walkway by becoming a volunteer, joining the Friends of Kokoda or by donating

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