Walk with Mick: A Kokoda Treck for Mental Health & Legacy

05 August 2025
Walk with Mick: A Kokoda Treck for Mental Health & Legacy
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This September, Mick Sayers, ICCONS SA/NT State Manager, is setting off on a life-changing trek across the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, honouring his family’s WWII legacy and raising funds for mental health support through the Black Dog Institute.


Help Mick Reach His Goal

Support mental health awareness and research by donating to Mick’s journey: Click Here To Donate! 


A Journey of Honour and Purpos

“The determination, self-sacrifice, grit, loyalty and mateship shown over the Owen Stanley Range in PNG is nothing short of extraordinary. This trek is my way of honouring their sacrifice and resilience.” – Mick Sayers

The Kokoda Track has long held a place in Mick’s heart. Both his grandfather and pop served in World War II, and although they rarely spoke of their time in service, their legacy left a lasting impression. After years of reading and learning about Kokoda, including three cover-to-cover reads of Kokoda by Peter FitzSimons, Mick decided 2025 would be the year he’d take it on.

“Mental health is something many of us have faced, including me. This trek is a way of turning loss and experience into something meaningful.”

Alongside honouring his family, Mick is walking to raise funds and awareness for the Black Dog Institute, following the devastating loss of his young cousin earlier this year, and his own personal journey with mental health.


Trek Details

  • Trek Start Date: 22 September 2025
  • Location: Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
  • Fundraising Goal: $4,000
  • Support Mick’s Journey: Donate Here


FIVE Questions with Mick

  1. Why Kokoda?

    2. It’s been on my list for years. My passion for military history and my family’s WWII service made this trek deeply meaningful.

  2. Why the Black Dog Institute?

    3. Mental health is a cause close to me. I’ve seen it impact friends, family, and myself. The Black Dog Institute leads vital work in research and support.

  3. When is the trek?

    4. I begin the journey on 22 September 2025. I’ve already started training!

  4. How can people support you?

    5. By donating via my fundraising page:  https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/michaelsayers. Every bit helps.

  5. What keeps you going?

    6. The memory of those we’ve lost, and those still struggling. Each step is for them.

Walk With Mick – Support the Cause

We’re proud to support Mick on this incredible challenge and invite the ICCONS community to stand behind him. Whether you contribute, spread the word, or offer encouragement, it all makes a difference. Donate Now!