Victoria

Life Education's Tasmanian CEO, Stuart Bryce, along with four intrepid trekkers, Emma Bryce, Damian Sharrock and Gary Hearle, recently trekked the Finisterre Range in Papua New Guinea, which included the famous WWII battle sites of Shaggy Ridge and Crater Hill. They were also accompanied by Healthy Harold the Giraffe!

Stuart gives us an insight into this gruelling trip: No doubt this was the most dangerous adventure in which we had ever participated, particularly Shaggy Ridge itself, with a track over one foot wide and a 70^o slope down each side - one side wooded and the other kuni grass - with between a 200-250m drop as shown in this photo (left) of the village of Mosca at the junction of the Main and Farea Rivers.  The ridge itself is about 2km long with a series of pimples which are distinguished in the 1943 war history of the area.  It is worth noting that we are amongst the first 100 white people to visit the area since the end of WWII.  The route (one can't really call it a track) is littered with military hardware as well as human remains (Japanese). The last three days we spent crossing and recrossing the Mindjim River on our way to Madang, with water up to the waist.  I can't say I will ever get used to walking in wet boots.

Our camp sites were cut out of virgin jungle on ground absolutely crawling with insect life.  Shining a torch on the ground after dark revealed constant movement among the leaves and humus.  The insect life managed to inflict a large number of injuries to our lower limbs and my ankles looked like they had a very bad case of acne. Our presence was very much noticed by the local population, as some had never before seen a white man.

Healthy Harold came with us, however, mysteriously disappeared when we were at the Kankiryo Saddle, just below Crater Hill. Gary was sure he saw Harold wearing a green bandana and poling a small raft down the Mindjim River rapids near the Aswab campsite just  inland from Gambul Village.

Harold was not in Madang when we arrived.  However, last week the mystery was resolved when he turned up here in Tasmania, with the assistance of Life Education Victoria.  Now that’s good news!

The locals who accompanied us from the villages at both ends of the trek (Anaga, Ange and Narbaluk) were very special people indeed and one cannot help but love them for their enthusiasm and willingness to assist and keep us safe.

So far monies raised from the trek have reached $5,000 and Stuart is hopeful of getting more donations for Life Education Tasmania before they close off.  Visit www.gofundraise.com.au/trek2010

Like discounts? Then 2010/2011 Entertainment Booklet is for you! As a friend of Life Education Victoria we wanted to let you know that the Entertainment Book is back and can be purchased through us.

The Entertainment Book is filled with hundreds of 25% to 50% discounts, 2 for 1 offers from local well known businesses, restaurants, family dining, takeaway outlets, sporting tickets, movie tickets, discounts from retail outlets and accommodation resorts plus many more. It's a great gift for the whole family or share the coupons with friends. The book has over $15,000 in valuable offers, and is priced at only $65.00, it's definitely worth its weight in gold and an absolute bargain.

By purchasing the book you will also be helping Life Education Victoria to continue to provide Drug and Health Education programs to children across Victoria through our Mobile Learning Centres.

If you would like to order a book or for more information please contact Kris at Life Education Victoria on email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or phone 9852 0199

Thank you for your continued support, it's very much appreciated!