How completing the Kokoda Track has revved up Natalie’s resilience
Natalie Tanevski has returned from the gruelling Kokoda Track exhausted but filled with confidence and resilience for any big challenges coming her way.
The Express
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Braving the Kokoda Track is not the faint hearted but like Natalie Tanevski says, it makes you appreciate the sacrifices made by the Diggers during World War II to defeat the Japanese.
Ms Tanevski, who is the recruitment co-ordinator at Bankstown Sports Club, said her recent exhausting but utterly fulfilling trek in Papua New Guinea has energised and boosted her confidence.
“I have always had a strong interest in Australian history and it has always been a personal goal of mine to walk Kokoda,” Ms Tanevski, 23, said.
She was a member of the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge, funded by ClubsNSW, on the August 5-16 tour for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ms Tanevski said learning about the local people and their culture was one of her highlights, with her hard training not preparing herself fully for the mental and physical challenge.
“No two days were the same over the 10 days,” said Ms Tanevski, who is keen to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones to tackle big challenges.
“From the 4.30am bugle alarms to (war veteran and guide) Charlie Lynn’s infamous Kokoda playlist, to dealing with the rain and humidity, and having to put on wet socks and muddy boots each morning.
“You quickly realise how hard it must have been for our soldiers and it makes you so grateful for the life we have in Australia because of them.”
Ms Tanevski admitted at the end of each day she was exhausted and in constant pain from sore muscles and cramping.
“But I just kept reminding myself how much harder it would have been for our soldiers, and it really put things into perspective,” Ms Tanevski said.
“I think being a part of such a gruelling physical challenge really brought us closer together as a group.
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“None of us knew each other when we first arrived but after a couple of hours, we were helping each other up mountains and across rivers, with constant words of encouragement.”
Her trip was supported by the ClubsNSW Western Metropolitan Region, with a contribution from Bankstown Sports.
“I really want to thank the RSL and Services Club, ClubsNSW and Bankstown Sports for their support,” Ms Tanevski said. “I feel very humbled to have been given such an amazing opportunity.”