Sam Barlow

Guide – Walk With Us Kokoda

Sam Barlow, born in Wollongong, is a proud Army Reservist, civil engineer, and community advocate. He earned a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Wollongong while balancing a cadetship at Port Kembla Steelworks and enlistment in the Army Reserve.

Sam’s diverse career spans Australia and abroad, where he has gained experience in engineering and community-focused projects. He now works as an engineer in Wollongong, focusing on initiatives that create positive social impact, including veteran support and affordable housing.

Sam began his military service in 2011, spending 13 years as an Other Ranks Reservist and is now a commissioned officer. His career includes operational service and domestic assistance tasks, including bushfire and pandemic responses. In 2022, Sam was awarded a Soldiers’ Medallion, recognizing his devotion to his mates—a value that guides his work both in and out of uniform.

Guiding the Kokoda trek holds profound significance for Sam. It allows him to honour the memory of those who served, connect with the legacy of the Kokoda campaign, and reflect on his own service. For Sam, the trail represents healing, camaraderie, and resilience—a space to forge connections with others while embracing physical and mental challenges.

Sam also deeply respects the healing powers of humour, believing it to be an essential tool in building resilience and strengthening bonds. Whether facing adversity or sharing light-hearted moments on the trail, he uses humour to foster connection, lift spirits, and remind others of the importance of finding joy even in challenging circumstances.

A history enthusiast, Sam relishes the opportunity to share the stories he has studied while fostering cultural exchange with the people of Papua New Guinea. His commitment to mateship and community makes him an inspiring guide for Walk With Us Kokoda, embodying the values of resilience, reflection, and connection that define the experience.