Exclusive: Kokoda Trek on track for WA teenagers

By PETER ROWE

A life changing adventure to Papua New Guinea has grown nearer for 22 WA teenagers who will participate in this year’s Kokoda Leadership and Development Program.

The group, from Kalgoorlie, Newman and Perth metro recently completed their second three-day training camp at the Manjedal Activity Centre in Karrakup, southwest of Perth.

They have been mentally and physically preparing since August to conquer one of the most gruelling treks in the world, the Kokoda Trail.

17-year-old Nita Bin-Hitam from Newman, who has returned as a mentor said she feels more prepared than ever.

“As a mentor, I’m learning from my past mistakes,” she said. “Some of the things I’ll be helping the others with is making sure they buy the pineapples, that’s the first thing.

“And just every time they take a break, check the scenery a little, because the country is also changing because of the rainstorms, or there’s going to be landslides on the track we will have to walk around.”

From November 28 to December 8, the group will tackle the legendary but challenging path, winding through the heart of Papua New Guinea’s rainforest.

The group is made up of 18 new participants, plus four, like Nita, who are continuing their leadership journey by returning as mentors.

The recent camp was a make-or-break moment for many, seeing each young person physically and mentally challenged to ensure they are ready for the 96-kilometre trek.

For many, just flying to Papua New Guinea will be an incredible experience, leaving their remote WA communities for the first time.

“I fell in love with the country when I went there last year,” Nita said.

“I just want to see the new young people go through that and see how they change from the camps to doing the track. I want them to go at their own pace as well and just always have fun while they’re at it.”

15-year-old Tehniesha Yorkshire from Kalgoorlie is a first timer.

“I’m actually very grateful and glad that I got the opportunity to do the Kokoda program because not many people get to do it, and it’s a great experience,” she said.

“I have a mentor, she’s from my school and she’s very supportive and helps me a lot. She always picks me up to go training with her like walking, going to the gym and leg exercises.

“I just really wanted to do the Kokoda program because I’ve never done anything like it. It’s a new opportunity for me and I feel like this program benefits young people mentally and socially.

“I have built some friendships, I feel more confident, and it’s helped my body a lot as well. I didn’t know I could do that much walking and hiking.”

The Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald will also trek with the group.

“These camps really give the young people an insight into how they will be pushed on the trail,” he said.

“I was blown away by how far many of them have come, particularly on such a long hike.

“You need to be training a minimum of two times a week for the trail and I can see that most of them are putting in that effort. It will do them wonders when it is trekking time.”

The trek involves eight days of hiking distances ranging from 12-19km per day over a steep and arduous terrain, through a diverse and beautiful rainforest.

The landscape is spectacular, revealing glorious mountain rangers, pristine rivers, and a variety of traditional cultures of the people who live along the track.

* The Y WA would like to acknowledge and thank all current sponsors assisting participants including Rotary Club of Boulder, Cassie Rowe – Member of Parliament for Belmont, Kevin Michael – Local Member of Parliament for the Pilbara, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, Newman, Shire of East Pilbara, Pilbara Regiment and Westpac.