The Board is pleased to advise that the special guest of honour of the 2026 Kokoda Day service will be Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Her Excellency is the Walkway’s Patron, and this will be the first time she has visited the Walkway, and also the first time the Walkway has hosted its Patron. Ms Mostyn will give the Kokoda Day address at the service, which will most likely see a large crowd in attendance.

The Board is also pleased to announce that the Memorial Centrepiece will be consecrated on the day by Sir John Ribat MSC, DD, KBE, MBE Archbishop of Port Moresby. Sir John previously attended a Friends of Kokoda history talk earlier this year, and was impressed by the Walkway and its educational and commemorative focus on the Kokoda campaign. His presence will strengthen the ties between Australia and PNG, and the consecration will enhance the Walkway’s mission of honouring the service of Australians who served in the Kokoda/PNG campaigns.

Those attending will also be able to view the Faces of Kokoda, an installation along the Walkway of the images of the majority of those Australian who died during the actual campaign (based on the Walkway’s Kokoda Honour Roll). Over 580 faces will be grouped around the relevant information stations and the Centrepiece.

RSVPs for the service should be returned by Tuesday 27 October (for catering purposes). The service will commence at 10.00am, and those attending should be seated by 9.45am.

Please join us for this event to continue to remember the service and sacrifice of Australian service personnel.