Three Local Government employees will form part of the 12 person ‘Team Kokoda: Blind Courage’, when it tackles the gruelling 96 kilometre Kokoda Track in June.
The track through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea is among the most difficult in the world and holds a special place in the history of Australia. It is renowned as the location of the World War II battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942.
Team Kokoda: Blind Courage was formed in 2009 when Coffs Harbour City Council’s Asset Manager Craig Smith was approached by his medically blind brother-in-law, Jason Bake, requesting he be his sighted guide on the trail.
With an interest in the military history of Australia, Jason had for many years dreamed of walking in the footsteps of the diggers who have bravely fought and died for our freedom.
About 15 years ago, Jason was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic eye condition that leads to incurable blindness. Since then, his sight has progressively diminished and it is now estimated that he has approximately seven per cent vision remaining.
Craig Smith said that, unlike his sight, Jason’s Kokoda Dream has not diminished.
“As time goes by, he knows the challenge of Kokoda will grow harder, but that won’t be an obstacle to one so determined,” he said.
As plans developed for the Kokoda trip, the two came across a blind Australian walker who had tackled the Kokoda Track in 2010.
Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Armidale Dumaresq Council, Steve Widders, suffers from Cone Dystrophy, which means he has no central vision and approximately five per cent peripheral vision.
“When we discovered that Steve worked in Local Government as well, and that he lived within a couple of hours drive, I was able to use my work contacts to get in touch with him,” Craig Smith said. “He was able to share with us the difficulties he faced during his attempt, and information that would help us prepare.
“But having not completed the entire length of the Kokoda track due to health issues, Steve was also keen for the chance to return and tackle the entire track again.”
With Steve now part of the Blind Courage Team, Craig approached colleague Robert Fletcher to accompany them and provide support on the journey.
Robert is the Senior Project Designer at Coffs Harbour City Council. Both he and Craig have travelled extensively, trekking various ranges and trails, including the Everest region in Nepal.
“We are both looking forward to the challenge of the Kokoda Track, and supporting the endeavours of Jason and Steve,” Craig Smith said.
Other Blind Courage team members include friends, supporters and Guide Dogs mobility instructor Matt Wood, who is going in his own time and at his own expense to assist.
Since the diagnosis of their eye conditions, Jason and Steve have received incredible support from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, which has provided them with equipment and training to help maintain independence and mobility.
To give back to the organisation, the two wanted to undertake the Kokoda Challenge as a fundraiser for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
For further information or to make a donation visit www.blindcourage.net
