Liverpool Plains Kokoda Memorial Walkway Incorporated recently registered with the NSW Office of Fair Trading, and has been granted an Australian Business Number (ABN) by the Australian Business Register.

The independent new body will assume full responsibility for all planning, consultation and financial aspects of the walkway project, set to be between Quirindi and Werris Creek.

The group's ambitious goal is to construct a lasting memory of Australian servicemen who gave their lives to defend and prevent an invasion of our nation by building the memorial to the Kokoda campaign.

Leading the project are a capable group of local enthusiastic visionaries: chair Doug Hawkins OAM, secretary Chris Owen, treasurer Michael Pryor, vice president David Wallace and committee members Ian Lobsey OAM, Luke Scanlon and Grant Batty.

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As a stand-alone, independent body, it will be responsible for seeking grant funding, community fundraising, planning and financial management of the project, as well as informing and consulting with the local community in a transparent fashion as the project planning is undertaken.

Envisaged is a concrete walkway, approximately 20km long, 2.5m wide with a maintained grass strip either side of the track.

Twenty-two storyboards, one for each village along the track, will tell the story of Kokoda and where the battles were fought. Stories of heroism and gallantry will be told along the way, stories that all Australians can relate to and be proud of.

It has the capacity to be an iconic Australian memorial attracting visitors from across the nation.

As part of the vision, the walkway will be developed to promote healthy lifestyles by catering for sporting and recreational activities, be wheelchair-friendly and provide a dedicated horse-riding track.

School history curriculums will be supported, and high-tech interactive technology utilised to attract educational visits by young and old. As the project evolves, noteworthy contributions from Indigenous Australians, the navy, air force, nurses and others will be incorporated to enhance the value and connection that the Australian public will have with the walkway.

This project will also add to the strong connection the Liverpool Plains shire community already has with Anzac traditions. The Quirindi War Memorial Clock and the Werris Creek Cenotaph, along with memorial rolls in many of the smaller communities, pay homage to locals who have served the nation and in too many cases paid the supreme sacrifice. Many locals were involved fighting in the New Guinea campaigns.

When the project is completed it is the intention of the group to gift the memorial to the local community and the people of Australia. Part of the planning involves establishment of a sinking fund to support its ongoing maintenance.

Individuals, organisations and businesses wishing to support the newly incorporated body or wanting to find out more about the project should contact the chair Doug Hawkins via djhawkins1948@gmail.com