Majak Daw knows only too well what it takes to prepare for a physically and mentally punishing challenge. That’s why the 28-year-old is lending a hand to a group of determined trekkers who are about to take on Kokoda.

“Kokoda is going to be a battle,” Daw told North Media.

“I don’t think It’s going to come down to how fit each person is, it’s going to come down to how well prepared they are and how well they can rely on and learn from each other.”

The group of around 40 participants is training twice weekly over the next two months to prepare for the gruelling eight-day hike in Papua New Guinea.

It’s all part of a Victoria Police program, launched in 2007, that aims to break down the barriers between officers of the law and young people.

In today’s climate, the trek has never been more relevant.

“For me, the bridge between my African heritage and Australian culture has been footy,” Daw told Channel 9.

“But if you look at what is happening here with the Huddle people and the police, Kokoda could be that bridge.”

The Huddle is participating in the Victoria Police Kokoda Trek for the first time and could help shape the future of those heading to Papua New Guinea. 

“You forget all the colours and all the flags when you’re working for something,” Huddle participant Lydia Gebrehiwot said. 

“We are for the team and we are going to do this all together.”

The group consists of police, a paramedic, corporate sponsors, students from St. Bernard’s College, and eight huddle participants from Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea – all identified as future leaders.

The Kokoda Trek is nearly 100 kilometres from start to finish and goes through some of the most rugged terrain in Papua New Guinea. 

The group will cook, get water, set up camp, and spend all day hiking with one another.

Click here to find out more about The Huddle and its programs.