Over 12 months ago, Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency Chief Executive Brendan Cox circled the final week of August 2026 on his calendar and locked in personal leave for a trip many Australians consider a pilgrimage: to walk the Kokoda Trail.

Much like those who braved the harsh 96-kilometre trail through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War, he didn’t do it alone. Brendan walked every step with Matty Cross, the Director of the Agency’s Veteran and Family Support Office, and fellow Australian Army veteran.

Brendan and Matty were joined by veterans they served with, who also committed to a journey which tested their mental resilience as much as it did their weary knees. The trail is wrapped in a rich tapestry of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice, as thick as the foliage where historic battles took place, but the trail offered more than a history lesson, it offered the opportunity to pause, reflect and connect.

During the visit, the Office of Australian War Graves team in Papua New Guinea was grateful to host Repatriation Commissioner Kahlil Fegan, Brendan and Matty at Bomana War Cemetery, where they had an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who are commemorated there in perpetuity.

‘There’s something special about walking the Kokoda Trail with people who understand the meaning of service,’ Brendan said.

‘Along the way came shared stories, quiet moments of reflection, plenty of encouragement and renewed mateship that connect us through our shared military service.

‘Every step was a reminder that we are stronger when we walk together.’

For veterans and families of veterans, taking the time to pause and reflect can be an undervalued yet important part of looking after your own health and wellbeing. Taking time to acknowledge your experiences and connect or reconnect with others with a shared lived experience can help strengthen your sense of purpose, identity and belonging.

While embarking on the Kokoda Trail is a unique experience, meaningful reflection does not require travelling overseas or undertaking a physically demanding trek. Across Australia there are many places where veterans, families of veterans and community members can learn more about military service, honour sacrifice and connect with the stories that have helped shape our nation. For some, reflection may involve visiting a commemorative site. For others, it may mean having a yarn with a friend, sharing family stories, photos, volunteering in the community or simply taking time to consider the sacrifices that have helped shape the freedoms enjoyed today.

These moments of reflection can also remind us of the importance of connection. Just as Brendan and Matty found support and encouragement from their fellow veterans on the Kokoda Trail, strong social connections continue to play an important role in wellbeing. Staying connected to your community, family, friends and support services can help you build resilience and overcome any obstacle.

For some people, reflection may mean attending commemorative events, such as the one DVA will host in a few weeks' time to mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan (2001–2021). A national commemorative service will be held in Canberra on Sunday 11 October 2026, alongside services taking place across the country. The anniversary provides an opportunity for veterans and families of veterans to connect with old friends, make new connections, and honour the contribution of the Australian Defence Force to military operations in Afghanistan. For more information or to register your attendance, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website: 25th Anniversary of Australian Service in Afghanistan (2001–2021).