The Kokoda Trail is a remote, jungle leadership laboratory for young Australian’s who commit to the pilgrimage.
Cooper Lack, a Gippsland schooboy, trekked in the footsteps of a former unsung hero around the same age from his local area.
Private Arthur Grassby was 16 years old when he fought in the first battle for Kokoda. He celebrated his 17th birthday during the battle for Isurava a few weeks later. After the war he returned to Gippsland where he worked as a timber faller.
Cooper Lack was recently tasked to carry another Gippsland soldier, Private Charlie Irvine across the Kokoda Trail as part of his pilgrimage.
Today he is a proud ‘Custodian of the Spirit of Kokoda’ and his own story is just as inspirational . . .
