Kori Chan is a tour operator who runs adventure tour in PNG. His latest project is based around a series of tracks commemorating the flight of several hundred Australian troops from advancing Japanese forces in WW II.
"The track commemorates a WW II event that many Australians don't know much about," says Mr Chan.
"During WWII, 1500 soldiers of the 2nd 22nd Battalion aka "Lark Force," a garrison originally stationed at Trawool campsite in Victoria had been left to fend for themselves at the time of the Japanese occupation on January 23, 1942," explains Mr Chan.
"The "Lark Force Wilderness Track" marks one of the many escape routes that the soldiers took when escaping capture from the Japanese troops."
The project is in early stages but will feature three separate tracks highlighting three separate stages of the event.
"The track project encompasses eight tribal groups from the Baining, East Pomio and Open Bay regions," he says. "The project is being developed in a way that will empower and embrace the local communities from the time of designing and developing this track."
"We aim to capture the history of the hearty Australian soldiers who escaped along the track," eh explains. "We also want to establish a representative body for the landowner groups. This track will become the first track in PNG to be developed by the local community and will be owned 100 percent by the local community."
The "Lark Force Wilderness Track" will comprise of three separate tracks. These have been designed to suit logistical issues and seasonal climates.
Track one - The Escape from Rabaul Track (Vunga to Mondrabet - 59KM – four to five day package)
"This takes trekkers from Vunga to Open Bay region," he says. "This trek will kick start the entire project. From Mondrabet, trekkers will be driven down to Wide Bay region to visit Tol memorial Plaque."
Track two - Tol Track (Mondrabet to Tol - 55KM – three or for day package)
"We will have two available options for trekkers at this point," he says. "Trekkers can continue on from Track one or two or fly in from Rabaul to Open Bay and start Track two to Tol."
Track three - El Tigre Track (Karlai to Baia - 59 KM – four or five day)
"This track is in memory of the legendary Commando from "Z Force" , Frank Holland aka El Tigre who trekked across Makolkol country from Baia village to Karlai and rescued injured members of Lark Force who escaped Japanese capture and torture at Tol plantation," he says. "This track will be accessible from either Wide bay or Ope Bay."
"These tracks will be regulated by the landowner Trust and Prime landowner company,' he says. "Unlike Kokoda which is a free for all, this track will sell the basic trekking package to tourists, operators and travel agents which will include - Porters, Guides, meals and accommodation."
"This project is a community developed initiative aimed at being developed, managed and maintained by the community of East New Britain," he says. "We are starting from scratch and are calling on anyone who wants to contribute towards the construction of these tracks. "
Mr Chan asks for people to contact him with expressions of interest to get this project off the ground. He is calling on corporates, community groups and schools to become involved. The main resource needed at the moment is labour.
