Earlier this month, the Y WA officially premiered ‘Kokoda - A Journey in Self Discovery’, their documentary on 14 young people completing the kokoda trek to an audience of friends, families and sponsors.
In attendance at The Backlot Cinema launch party were the stars of the short film and trek participants, from Newman: Nita Binhitam, Cheyenne Barney, Jacqyn (Lando) Butt (everyone calls him Lando) & Markus Modridge, from Kalgoorlie; Zaquise Polak (Zaq), from Perth; Liam Plane, Shyanne Walker, Olivia Bernjak-Ord & Mia Bernjak-Ord, their on trek mentors; Tegan Taudigani, Lee-Anne Ugle, Sammi Ryder, CEO Dr Tim McDonald, Michelle Champion, Heather Momo, and Lee from Kokoda Courage.
Also in attendance were our corporate sponsors, Kokoda Courage, Roy Hill, Snap Fitness Newman, Marteq Energy, City of Swan, East Pilbara Race Club, Westpac, YACWA, Shire of East Pilbara, Rotary Club Melville, Stars Foundation, Mia Mia Newman, McCusker Foundation, B.Firm Canberra and Racing and Wagering WA.
Impressed by the outcomes of last year’s trek, the Youth Affairs Council of WA, another pivotal sponsor, extended their support with a $5,000 grant top-up. This generous contribution supported the young participants to take part in the event, with coaching and guidance from their mentors.
Trek participant Nita served as the event’s MC and was joined by fellow participants Liam, Lando, Zaq, Tegan, Michelle, Olivia, Mia, and Shyanne, who shared their experiences from the trek. All participants emphasised the love that was had for the porters on the trek, and for each other.
Participant and mentor Lee-Anne Ugle highlighted how far the young people had come – sharing that several participants are now open, outgoing and talkative in contrast to their pre-trek personalities.
Following a screening of the documentary, there was ample opportunity for catching up, photos, and nibbles. Our participants and sponsors were able to take home a commemorative photo book, filled with memories from the trek experience.
The documentary is now available online.