Lachlan Stevens

Guide – Walk With Us Kokoda

Lachlan Stevens is a veteran, community leader, and advocate for mental health and well-being, driven by a deep commitment to supporting others through meaningful connections and shared experiences. A former Combat Engineer with deployments to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2012, Lachlan’s military career shaped his understanding of resilience, courage, and the importance of mateship. These values remain central to his work today.

As the founder of Barstool Brothers, Lachlan created a thriving mental health initiative that supports over 1,500 men in the Illawarra region. Through free events like walks, brunch catch-ups, and peer-led activities, the initiative fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Lachlan is also the Vice President of the City of Wollongong RSL Sub-Branch, where he leads efforts to improve the welfare of veterans and their families. His roles in business and community advocacy extend further, including his work as Director of His Boy Elroy and his contributions to the Raising the Bar Foundation, an organization dedicated to mental health education and suicide prevention in high-risk industries.

For Lachlan, guiding the Kokoda trek is both a personal and professional mission. Having navigated his own mental health challenges, he understands the transformative power of shared struggles and victories. The trail represents an opportunity to honor the legacy of Australian soldiers, connect with history, and offer participants a space for personal growth and reflection. Lachlan’s firsthand knowledge of combat and his leadership experience allow him to support trekkers through both the physical and emotional demands of the journey.

Beyond the trek’s challenges, Lachlan values the unique cultural exchange with Papua New Guinean communities, highlighting the importance of gratitude and perspective. As a guide, his goal is to inspire resilience, foster camaraderie, and empower participants to embrace the values of courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice—both on the trail and in their daily lives.