Russell Eddie

Early Life in Papua New Guinea

My name is Russell Eddie. I was born on 16 July 1978 at Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea. I come from a family of five children, with two brothers and two sisters. We were raised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith and originate from Efogi Village, located in the heart of the Kokoda Track.

Efogi is one of the largest villages along the track, with a population of approximately 500–700 people.

Education and Early Ambitions

I began my education in 1985 at Carr Memorial Adventist Primary School, named after Australian Adventist missionary Pastor Septimus Carr. After completing Grades 1 to 6, I was accepted into Mt Diamond Adventist High School, a boarding school in Port Moresby, in 1991 at the age of 14.

My dream was to become a doctor, but my academic results instead qualified me for teacher training. I was selected to attend Sonoma Adventist College in Rabaul. Unfortunately, my family could not afford the costs of airfares, registration and school fees. My father worked as a builder for the Adventist Mission and did his best to support our family, while my mother was a homemaker. With limited finances and my older brother also attending school, further education was not possible at that time.

First Employment

Determined to build a future, I began looking for employment opportunities. In 1994, I successfully applied for a sales position with Lae Builders and Contractors and started work immediately. Over the next four years, I became one of the company’s key employees, helping negotiate contracts and build relationships with business clients.

Rugby League Career

At the same time, I was actively involved in rugby league. At 18 years of age, I played for the Dobo Warriors, a club whose name reflects the traditions of our ancestors, who built homes in the trees to protect themselves from enemy warriors.

I started in the Under-19 competition as a five-eighth, winning two premierships before progressing to Reserve Grade, where I won another grand final. I was then selected for Premier Grade and later represented Port Moresby Southern Zone at regional championships.

Following our success at the zone championships, I was selected to represent Papua New Guinea in the Junior Kumuls squad, to compete against teams from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand.

Unfortunately, recurring injuries forced me to retire from rugby league in 1997 at the age of 21. These injuries also affected my employment, and I eventually returned to Efogi Village. Life in the village was simple, but it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my roots and the Kokoda Track.

Beginning Work on the Kokoda Track

At that time, only a few trekking companies operated along the track. I was considering work with one of the larger trekking companies when a friend from my rugby league days, who was serving at Goldie Barracks, invited me to assist Australian Army groups crossing the rugged terrain between Kokoda and Owers Corner.

For two years, from 1998 to 1999, I worked with Australian Army groups before joining one of the larger trekking companies as a porter.

Finding My Passion as a Guide

I spent four years with the trekking company and quickly discovered that guiding and supporting trekkers was my passion. I enjoyed meeting people from around the world, sharing stories about village life, introducing visitors to my family and culture, and helping trekkers complete one of the world’s most challenging journeys.

Building a Kokoda Trekking Business

During this time, a close friend introduced me to Robert Frost, who shared my vision of establishing a trekking company that would provide authentic Kokoda experiences while supporting local communities. Together, we built and operated a successful trekking business from 2002 until 2016.

After Robert became seriously ill and was hospitalised, the business came to an end.

Continuing in the Trekking Industry

Following this, I worked for Niugini Holidays for one year and Back Track Adventures for another year. After several years away from the industry, I was invited to return to one of the larger trekking companies in 2023, where I worked until 2025.

Oz Battlefield Tours

In 2025, my wantok brother, Scott Babington, and I decided to establish our own trekking operation. Our goal is not only to provide exceptional Kokoda experiences but also to create employment opportunities for porters and guides from villages along the track who are working hard to support their families.

Family

I married my wife, Penina, in 2006. She was 20 years old and I was 25. Penina is from Naduri Village, another beautiful village along the Kokoda Track known for its spectacular views.

Together we have three children: our daughter Sandy, who is now 19 and attending secondary school; our son Clement, aged 17; and our youngest son John, aged 15 and currently attending primary school.

Mentoring the Next Generation

With more than 27 years of experience on the Kokoda Track and over 137 crossings completed, I am passionate about mentoring and training the next generation of porters and guides. I believe every trekker deserves outstanding service, genuine hospitality and a safe journey.

My goal is to ensure that every person who walks the Kokoda Track with us leaves with unforgettable memories, a deeper understanding of Papua New Guinea’s history and culture, and a story they will cherish for the rest of their lives.