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Kokoda experience great for indigenous youth

September 30, 2024

By PETER ROWE

Young Indigenous men and women from Western Australia will take part in the legendary Kokoda Trek in December, challenging themselves as they wind through the heart of Papua New Guinea.

The YWA 2024 Kokoda Leadership and Development Program has selected participants come from the Perth metropolitan, Pilbara and Goldfield regions for the six-month program that culminates in the trek.

The group came together for the first time in July in Perth for the first of two gruelling training camps.

The three-day camp saw the group embark on an intense health and fitness program focussing on mental and physical preparation.

Fitness sessions twice a week leading up to the trek in December will help to ensure they have the endurance, leg strength and cardio fitness to take on one of the toughest walks in the world.

“This is one of the toughest walks you can do and last year, in our first year running the program, we saw the direct impact it had on the youth who took part,” Y WA child executive Dr Tim McDonald said.

“Almost six months on, we still see the huge impact it had on them. The shift in their lives, their outlook, their attitudes, the way they speak, look and connect.

“It has enabled them to flourish within their communities and push themselves well beyond what they thought they were capable of. We are so excited to now offer this to a new group of young individuals.”

Nita Bin-Hitam from Newman, who took part in the trek last year, is now joining the group as a mentor.

“This program has helped me a lot,” she said.

“Returning as a mentor I feel more responsible, and like I’ll be able to help the new group with their nerves and climbing the big hills.

“The breathing can be hard at times too, but I’ll remind them they are there to have a good time. Often you feel homesick, but you got this new family who has your back.”

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.

17-year-old Tyvon Beasley from Newman is thrilled but also nervous about being chosen.

“What a great experience. The fitness side of it is challenging at first, but during training I get more motivated,” he said.

“It’s not every day you get the opportunity to leave your country. I want to go to Kokoda for a new experience, it will be good.”

The Y WA Kokoda Leadership and Development Program offers young people who would not normally be able to participate in a leadership development program, the opportunity to do so.

 

From Newman seven young people will take part – 2 as mentors and 5 for the first time:

Nita Bin-Hitam (Aboriginal) – returning as a mentor
Jacquyn (Lando) Butt (Martu) – returning as a mentor (not at camp so not in images)
Isaac Yallabah (Martu) – first time
Jess Indich (Noongar) – first time
Tige Ugle (Noongar & Maori) – first time
Tyvon Beasley (Noongar) – first time
Vernon Brockman (Yamatji) – first time

From Kalgoorlie 10 young people will take part – 1 as a mentor and 9 for the first time:

Zaq Polak (Wongutha) – returning as a mentor
Boaz Hurrell (Australian) – first time
Isabella McEwan (British) – first time
Kerry Steven (Papua New Guinean) – first time
Marleke Morrison (Noongar and Ngadju) – first time
Shekwosa Yepwi (Bundjalung and Nigerian) – first time
Stanis Jack (Papua New Guinean) – first time
Stephen Morrison (Noongar, Yawuru and Wongotha) – first time
Syaoran Mini (Papua New Guinean) – first time
Tehniesha Yorkshire (Yamaji) – first time

From Perth metro seven young people will take part – 1 as mentors and 6 for the first time:

Shyanne Walker (Australian) – returning as a mentor
Caiden Parker (Australian) – first time
Lilli Taylor (Australian) – first time
Cooper Wheat (Australian) – first time
Joseph Allen (Australian) – first time
Belle Roberts (Australian) – first time
Eliot Barton (Australian) – first time

 

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