As the holidays wrap up and we switch gears, we head back to work, and we reflect on what we can do better this new year. Setting our own personal resolutions aside, for every business a new year brings new opportunities to do more for our community and find the joy in giving back.
The gift of sponsorship is one of the most powerful gifts that can be given. And for 21 young people from across WA who are gearing up to take on the infamous Kokoda Trail, without the gift of sponsorship, this once in a lifetime opportunity would be out of reach.
With a positive impact on both the recipient and the sponsor, the Y WA are calling for support from WA Businesses to invest in something meaningful this new year, and support one of their most impactful programs – the Kokoda Leadership Development Program.
In 2023 the Y WA created the Kokoda Leadership Development Program, providing an opportunity for young people across Western Australia to take on the legendary but challenging Kokoda Trail, winding through the heart of Papua New Guinea's rainforest.
Fourteen youth from across Perth metro, Kalgoorlie, and Newman were selected to take part in 2023 and in 2025, 21 young people from Perth metro, Kalgoorlie, and Newman, each with a story that demonstrates courage and resilience, are readying themselves for this once in a lifetime journey.
Initially scheduled to take place in November 2024, the trek was postponed in September, due to the Kokoda Track closure from blockades by traditional landowners seeking resolution of compensation claims from the PNG government.
Whilst the track has now reopened, to ensure the best outcome for the courageous and eager young people involved, the program has been rescheduled to take place from March 25 – April 6, 2025. This timing also avoids the wet season from the end of December to the beginning of March, ensuring a safer and more rewarding experience.
At the heart of this invaluable program is sponsorship. The in-kind and monetary sponsorship received by the program directly supports the transformative journey for young people connected with the Y WA’s youth services.
Nineteen-year-old Nita from Newman attended in 2023 and will return in 2025 as a youth mentor. She said, “After doing it it’s changed my perspective of everything. There are a lot of kids in this program who come here with nothing and doing Kokoda is everything. It’s putting the kids up front and showing them what they can do. You give them the support they need, and they are going to grow.”
By trekking the historical Kokoda Trail, participants walk in the footsteps of soldiers who faced immense adversity, drawing strength from the past to tackle both physical and mental challenges. The Kokoda trail becomes more than just a path; it’s a mirror reflecting each participant's journey toward self-belief and personal growth.
The selection process is rigorous, as young people must apply and be accepted, highlighting the program's mission to empower those ready to take on a profound challenge. But with each step on this iconic trail, these young individuals are changing the trajectory of their lives. From learning to overcome self-doubt, to growing their leadership skills, participants emerge from the program with the resilience and skills to positively shape their futures.
Since launching in 2023, the Kokoda Program has already seen remarkable success stories. Take 16-year-old Shyanne who attends the Y School in Mirrabooka. After her experience with the program, she believed enough in herself to excel academically, ultimately receiving the Mind, Body, Spirit Award. This accolade is awarded to the student who demonstrates excellence in the Y’s values to flourish in mind, body and spirit and was proudly presented at her school’s final event.
Nita from Newman has grown so much through the program that she now publicly shares her Kokoda story and mentors the youngest member of the next group, 15-year-old Tehniesha from the Goldfields Y Centre.
Nita’s influence has been invaluable, guiding Tehniesha through the challenges of training camps and boosting her confidence to tackle the trail. Their stories are proof of the Kokoda Program’s profound impact, offering growth and inspiration that extend beyond the individual to effectively influence the community.
For many of these young people, opportunities like the Kokoda Program may have felt out of reach. The Y WA is committed to bridging this gap, bringing once-distant dreams to fruition. Young people from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds often face limited access to leadership programs or outdoor adventures like this.
The Kokoda Program offers a rare chance for participants to not only experience the Kokoda Trail but to learn about Australian history and their own inner strength along the way. And this also affords a rare chance for WA businesses to sponsor an authentic program which lifts individuals up and accelerates their opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.
These young leaders return home with more than memories; they come back with a sense of purpose, renewed self-confidence, and the capacity to inspire those around them. Programs like this can be life-changing for youth who have previously had little or no access to such enriching experiences.
Behind every step of this journey, sponsorships play a crucial role. With the support of generous sponsors, The Y WA can offer this life-altering program to young people who otherwise might never have had such an opportunity. By investing in sponsorship, supporters don’t just contribute financially—they’re helping to create the next generation of resilient leaders in Western Australia.
Sponsorship funding helps cover costs such as travel, accommodation, and training materials, ensuring that every participant can focus on their personal development rather than financial barriers. When sponsors come on board, they’re not just enabling a trek; they’re fuelling a young person’s journey to self-belief, resilience, and leadership ultimately enabling them to flourish. The impact of a single sponsorship is multiplied as these young individuals carry their experiences forward, sharing what they’ve learned with their communities.
The Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald was on the 2023 trek and says, “In just two years, we’ve seen the profound difference this program makes. Now in our second year, we invite local businesses, organisations, and individuals to consider sponsoring a participant or the program itself.
“Together, we can ensure that this life-changing journey remains available to more young people across Western Australia. By supporting the Kokoda Leadership & Development Program, sponsors become part of a movement that empowers youth to overcome life’s challenges and become leaders in their own right.”
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.
View how sponsorship funds can make a difference to young people in WA here.
