Kokoda Youth Leadership Clubs Challenge

"Kokoda is not a walk. It is certainly not a holiday. It is a pilgrimage." Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

 

Kokoda Youth Leadership Clubs Challenge

 

Youth Leader Selected

Clubs WA has announced that Phoebe Tucker from Capel will represent Western Australia as part of the Kokoda Youth Leadership Club Challenge which involves “walking in the footprints of heroes” along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

Clubs WA Executive Director Peter Seaman said the 17 year old cadet and hospital worker impressed the judging panel with her vision about how young people acknowledged Australian war heroes and with her strong involvement in community leadership. Phoebe is a proud Army Reservist and represented Western Australia at the 2007 Pony club National Championships.

“Most young leaders ultimately end up working with clubs either through sport or community activity and Clubs WA hopes by funding young people like Phoebe to walk the Kokoda Track can help mould their transition to that of community leaders.” Peter Seaman said.

The Kokoda Youth Leadership Clubs Challenge will pay for 8 people from across Australia and between the ages of 16 and 22, to fly to Papua New Guinea in late September. Once there, the group will spend 10 days trekking 96km through some of the most arduous terrain on earth.

The group will be commanded by a trek leader and several local guides who will ensure the group follow the original wartime trail.

 

Clubs WA's Kokoda Applicant Returns

Read Phoebe's story on her trip along the Kokoda Track here.