Kalgoorlie-Boulder teen prepares for gruelling Kokoda Trail trek as part of empowering leadership program

A Kalgoorlie-Boulder teen is preparing to take on a gruelling jungle trek through a tropical Papua New Guinean rainforest as part of an empowering leadership program. Tehniesha Yorkshire is among 10 Goldfields young people who will follow in the footsteps of the Australian soldiers who fought the Japanese along the track in World War II. The 15-year-old will hike 96km in eight days over the treacherous terrain as part of the Kokoda Leadership and Development Program. A group of 18 first-timers along with four returning mentors are preparing to take part in the program, with a recent training camp testing their mettle on obstacle courses and hikes. It is Tehniesha’s first time taking part in The Y WA’s development program designed to physically and mentally challenge young people. “I just really wanted to do the Kokoda program because I’ve never done anything like it,” she said. “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.” Tehniesha has committed herself to the training as the departure date nears with support from a local Kalgoorlie-Boulder mentor. “I have a mentor, she’s from my school, very supportive and helps me a lot,” Tehniesha said. “She always picks me up to go training with her for walking, going to the gym and leg exercises. “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.” The Y WA chief executive Tim McDonald will join the group on the hike starting later this month. “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.” Dr McDonald said the training camps were important for putting hikers’ fitness levels to the test. “I would say camp two was a success, the young people are at a good fitness level, and we are all feeling great about the trek,” he said. “This program is aimed at developing aspiring leaders for the future, promoting resilience, teamwork and a sense of community, and I can see all those qualities shining through already.”