The Y WA has handpicked 21 admirable young people aged between 15-25 for the 2024 Kokoda Leadership and Development Program.
Now in its second year, the program takes students to Kokoda, on one of the toughest treks on the planet.
To continue their leadership journey, five people from the 2023 program will accompany the group, mentoring, guiding and empowering the next generation as they take on the legendary but challenging path, winding through the heart of Papua New Guinea's rainforest from November 28 to December 8.
The Y WA chief executive, Dr Tim McDonald, who participate in the 2023 trek, said he saw the direct impact the first year of the program had on participants.
"Almost six months on, we still see the huge impact it had on them," he said.
"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."
Participants come from the Perth metropolitan, Pilbara and Goldfield regions and are all connected to the Y WA through various youth engagement services.
The six-month program culminates at the end of the year in the ultimate adventure to hike the challenging trail, creating unforgettable experiences, newfound friendships, and personal growth.
The group came together for the first time in late July at Ern Halliday Recreation Camp in Hillarys, taking part in the first of two gruelling training camps over three days, including an intense health and fitness program focused on mental and physical preparation.
They would now attend fitness sessions twice a week leading up to the trek later this year to ensure their endurance, strength and fitness is at the level required to take on one of the toughest walks in the world.
Nita Bin-Hitam, from Newman, took part in the trek in 2023 and is now joining the group as a mentor.
"This program has helped me a lot. I'm more independent now and I still go on walks," 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 Kokoda Trail is a transformational odyssey rooted in history and camaraderie.
Participants on the Kokoda Leadership and Development Program will embark on a 96km adventure, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The trek involves eight days of hiking distances ranging from 12-19km per day over steep and arduous terrain, through a diverse and beautiful rainforest.
The landscape is spectacular, revealing glorious mountain ranges, pristine rivers, and a variety of traditional cultures of the people who live along the track.
Tyvon Beasley, 17, a Noongar participant from Newman, nervous yet thrilled 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.
"The physical and personal experience the young people will gain from this Program, such as fitness, nutrition, history, cultural immersion, empowerment, self-confidence, teamwork, mateship and courage will have a significant positive impact on them," Dr McDonald said.
"No matter how difficult their life might be, this trek will give them a sense of purpose, they will get up every day and keep going.
"Part of the power of Kokoda is when they get home and talk about the experience, and they realise it's a significant achievement for them.
"It is an employable skill that they can put in their CV."
