k eThe Ko oda Chall nge

“THE TOUGHEST MENTAL CHALLENGE I HAVE EVER ENDURED!”

MAL MENINGAFormer Australian Rudby League Captain

KCA Overview

ENDUR N E COUR S RIF C MATES I

A C AGE AC I E H P

ENDUR N E COUR S RIF C MATES I

A C AGE AC I E H P

2011

ENDURANCE

MATESHIP

SACRIFICE

COURAGE

The Kokoda Challenge Association (KCA) is a not for profit organisation that was established to raise awareness of the heroic efforts of Australian soldiers on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

The KCYP is a challenging yet rewarding personal development program that culminates in the participants using their developed social, mental and physical skills to walk the actual Kokoda track.

The KCYP is funded by money raised through the annual fundraising events - in particular The Kokoda Challenge. As these events develop and grow, so too does the KCYP as it expands to new locations and provides the opportunity for more young people to experience the life changing program.

As an ongoing and permanent legacy to our diggers, The KCA runs the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) a twelve month experiential learning program designed to make a real impact in the lives of young Australians. The KCYP uses the Spirit of Kokoda to teach the younger generation about the value of endurance, courage, sacrifice and mateship.

The KCYP is funded by money raised through the annual fundraising events - in particular The Kokoda Challenge. As these events develop and grow, so too does the KCYP as it expands to new locations and provides the opportunity for more young people to experience the life changing program.

OverviewOverviewOverview

Kokoda Challenge AssociationKokoda Challenge AssociationKokoda Challenge Association

The Kokoda Challenge Association is a not for profit organisation that was established by founder and Chairman, Doug Henderson. In July 2004, Doug was at an RSL conference when guest speaker The Hon Charlie Lynn MLC, spoke of Australia's military history, in particular the battle of the Kokoda Track and the Pacific Campaign. Doug, who has been at the forefront of Veterans issues for the past decade, was profoundly affected by what he heard and overcome by shame about the fact that so few Australians knew the real story of how significant this particular military campaign was to Australia's history.

Doug was compelled to be involved in promoting awareness of the Kokoda Track and believed that incorporating young Australians was the key to raising the profile of the story of Kokoda.

Our Mission

Our Major Goals

Our Values

To promote the Kokoda Spirit, especially to the benefit of the youth of Australia.

Raise public awareness of the importance of the 1942 Kokoda campaign to the Australian people.

Identify young Australians at a crossroads in their life and provide support to help them reach their potential.

Support the Kokoda community and the descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy angels.

Mateship: We believe in the value of teamwork and of providing support for each other.Sacrifice: We are an organisation that is built on the sacrifice of volunteers and the community spirit this inspires.

Courage: We support and encourage our people to stay the course even when times are tough.Endurance: We believe that tests of endurance are a way to promote personal growth.Environment: We value the natural environment and aim for all our activities to have a

minimal environmental impact.Youth: We believe in the potential of our youth to create a positive future.

Our Mission

Our Major Goals

Our Values

July 1942 - The American, Chinese, Dutch and British forces have been defeated throughout Asia and the Pacific by the invincible might of the Japanese Army.

Australia stands alone with imminent invasion on our doorstep.

400 young Australia troops from the 39th Militia are dispatched to New Guinea and make their way over the Owen Stanley Ranges to a little known place called Kokoda.

For 21 days these young warriors held fast against a 9000 strong Japanese force of highly trained and fanatical troops, until they are joined at Isurava with the 2/14th Battalion of the AIF.

Over the next 5 months Australian and Papuan forces fought together in oppressing conditions and conquer an enemy with far superior resources and manpower.

More than 600 Australians were killed and some 1680 wounded during what is now recognised as the most significant battle fought by Australians in World War II.

The legend of ANZAC that was born at Gallipoli, was held fast at Kokoda - COURAGE, SACRIFICE, ENDURANCE and MATESHIP.

More than 600 Australians were killed and some 1680 wounded during what is now recognised as the most significant battle fought by Australians in World War II.

ANZAC at our doostepANZAC at our doorstepANZAC at our doorstep

Gallipoli created a nation but Kokoda saved a nation.

At Gallipoli we fought for the British Empire– at Kokoda we fought for Australia.

Gallipoli created a nation but Kokoda saved a nation.

At Gallipoli we fought for the British Empire– at Kokoda we fought for Australia.

Kokoda Challenge Youth ProgramKokoda Challenge Youth ProgramKokoda Challenge Youth Program

The youth selected vary from young people who are 'at risk' or come from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as high achievers - the one thing in common being that they want the opportunity and pathway to realise their full potential.

This program is about providing the opportunity for young people to learn the skills and qualities that matter in life: like discipline, tolerance, self worth, team work, purpose and leadership. The program uses the spirit of Kokoda to teach the younger generation the value of endurance, courage, mateship and sacrifice.

As well as rigorous physical training, throughout the 14 month program the participants are required to undertake community support activities where they volunteer their time to local not for profit organisations and events eg. Landcare, PCYC and Surfing for the Disabled, etc.

This component of the Kokoda Challenge Youth program helps the participants to develop a sense of social responsibility and also provides opportunities for them to engage in public speaking activities and networking possibilities.

Strict standards are adhered to for the KCYP, and our trained Youth workers volunteer their time to the Program - every Sunday is devoted to bushwalks and leadership development, and there is also a mid-week physical training session.

The KCYP differs from most youth programs in that it is a long-term commitment running over 14 months, it sets strict attendance and discipline standards, and it combines physical and mental development with social service - instilling the desire to give something back to the community.

This program is about providing the opportunity for young people to learn the skills and qualities that matter in life: like discipline, tolerance, self worth, team work, purpose and leadership.

How can you measure the value of helping a young person turn their life around and find purpose and meaning, rather than living on the fringes of society and the law? Or of inspiring a young high-achiever to use their skills and talents to reach their maximum potential and to help others along the way?

There is no doubt that the benefits of a program such as the KCYP will be felt for generations to come. It is literally a “life changing” experience.

So far we've received incredibly positive feedback from parents, schools and the general community in relation to all our participants.

Some of the reported benefits include improved confidence and self-esteem, increased social interaction, learning basic communication skills, demonstrating leadership qualities, improved tolerance for others, and respect for parents and authority.

Some of the reported benefits include improved confidence and self-esteem, increased social interaction, learning basic communication skills, demonstrating leadership qualities, improved tolerance for others, and respect for parents and authority.

I have learnt many life skills as well as the value of hard work and determination - the world is at

my feet and it is all thanks to the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program.

JAMES MORELAND, 2006 Kokoda Kid

I have learnt many life skills as well as the value of hard work and determination - the world is at

my feet and it is all thanks to the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program.

Once selected to be part of the KCYP, the participants become affectionately known as ‘Kokoda Kids’.

Over the past five years 242 Kokoda Kids have been part of the KCYP.

In 2005 and 2006, 12 young people were selected each year from the Gold Coast area.

In 2007 the program expanded to take on 18 young people from the Gold Coast.

In 2008 the number jumped again to 30 young people, with pilot branches operating in both Brisbane and Canberra.

Completion and graduation from the 14 month commitment to KCYP is currently over 91%.

In 2010 50 young people were selected over three different branches operating in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Tweed Region.

With the help of a dedicated group of volunteers leaders the KCYP will continue to grow at the same rate as the Kokoda Challenge - the more money raised, the more we can put back into the community through helping young people.

In 2011 the KCYPl continues to expand its operations and now includes 70 Kokoda Kids, and it is envisaged that it could be operating branches all over Queensland and eventually nationwide in the not too distant future.

Completion and graduation from the 14 month commitment to KCYP is currently over 91%.

Kokoda KidsKokoda KidsKokoda Kids

The Kokoda Challenge event is a gruelling cross country four-person team event held over 96 km, with a time limit for completion of 39 hours.

96klm represents the actual distance of the Kokoda Track and 39hours symbolizes the 39th Militia Battalion who were the first of our Australian troops to arrive at Kokoda on 15th July 1942.

The Kokoda Challenge takes place each July in the Gold Coast hinterland with a course stretching from Mudgeeraba, through the hinterland via Hinze Dam, and finishing at Nerang.

The four person teams are required to advance through 14 checkpoints to the finish line. At designated checkpoints teams are able to take a break and regroup with the help of their support crew.

The route is full of rugged terrain and climbs totalling more than 5000 metres. It is acknowledged as

one of Australia's most gruelling endurance events. There is no doubt that all those participating in the event will need to call on the Spirit of ANZACS which was born at Gallipoli and held fast at Kokoda - Endurance, Sacrifice, Courage and Mateship.

In addition to the physical challenge of the event itself, teams are required to take up the challenge of raising funds for the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, by seeking sponsorship and support from their family, friends and local community.

For this reason, the event “reaches” far more people than those who are directly participating and awareness of Kokoda is promoted threefold.

There is no doubt that all those participating in the event will need to call on the Spirit of ANZACS which was born at Gallipoli and held fast at Kokoda - Endurance, Sacrifice, Courage and Mateship.

“An amazing journey and one of the most inspiring events one could ever complete. I sobbed at the end

when presented with my dog tags, as I now had a small insight into the spirit that our brilliant men

endured on the real Kokoda track.”

L. MORRISON, 2008 Kokoda Challenge

“An amazing journey and one of the most inspiring events one could ever complete. I sobbed at the end

when presented with my dog tags, as I now had a small insight into the spirit that our brilliant men

endured on the real Kokoda track.”

The Kokoda ChallengeThe Kokoda ChallengeThe Kokoda Challenge

The growth the Kokoda Challenge has been staggering and is a testament to the positive nature of the event and the benefits for everyone involved.

The first Kokoda Challenge was held in 2005 with just 62 teams (248 competitors) raising $72,000. The 2009 Kokoda Challenge had 350 teams (1500 competitors), raising $494,000.

In 2009, the number of teams able to enter The Kokoda Challenge was capped and full registration was reached within five weeks of being opened.

The 2011 Kokoda Challenge event has been capped at 370 regular team entries, with registration filling within 2 hours. There are also 50 school teams entered in the Stan Bisset Cup (96km) and 115 school teams entered in the Jim Stillman Cup (48km). This means there will be 2305 participants competing in this years Challenge.

Couple this together with an aggressive publicity campaign, The Kokoda Challenge is set to keep getting bigger and better - enabling greater funds to be raised and the expansion of the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program

How are we different?

This event is unique in its toughness. From that very first event, the overwhelming feedback from the competitors survey indicated that without proper training, the course was near impossible to complete. Typically, only about one third of teams commencing will finish with all 4 team members. In spite of this, the survey respondents also indicated that it needed to remain tough so that getting to the finish line was indeed a challenge.

One of the most inspiring features of the Challenge is that the Youth Program participants all undertake The Challenge as a team - allowing Kokoda Challenge competitors the opportunity to witness first hand the worthy cause they are supporting.

The organisation prides itself on progress of continual expansion and development of initiatives, such as the introduction of The Brisbane Kokoda Challenge and The Melbourne Kokoda Challenge.

Couple this together with an aggressive publicity campaign, The Kokoda Challenge is set to keep getting bigger and better - enabling greater funds to be raised and the expansion of the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program

Growth of a truly unique eventGrowth of a Truly Unique EventGrowth of a Truly Unique Event

“A challenge adventure racers dream of, where pain meets ecstasy....and mind over matter is

everything.”

NIKKI CARROLL, Australian Olympic Marathon Runner

“A challenge adventure racers dream of, where pain meets ecstasy....and mind over matter is

everything.”

Participants come from across the nation and a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. But typically, participants are mostly in the 20-39 upwardly mobile, high-achievers demographic - essentially the leaders of the future.

They are attracted to the event, not only for the physical and mental challenge but because it supports a very worthy cause.

Because the event requires training and preparation, teams are encouraged to register from early February and are provided with monthly newsletters containing advice and tips via the Kokoda Challenge website.

In addition to the participants, all teams have support crews, which will meet them at various checkpoints throughout the event and means that more than 1,500 additional people are actively and personally involved with the event.

Importantly, more than 300 people volunteer their time to work across the course of the event as marshalls, at checkpoint registration, maintaining safety, and manning facilities at the finish line. Hundreds of additional family and friends gather at the finish line to cheer through the participants at the end of the event.

The Kokoda Challenge is a community event, combining competitors, volunteers, support crew and spectators in a challenge that showcases the triumph of human spirit.

But typically, participants are mostly in the 20-39 upwardly mobile, high-achievers demographic - essentially the leaders of the future.

The Kokoda Challenge is a community event, combining competitors, volunteers, support crew and spectators in a challenge that showcases the triumph of human spirit.

Event participantsEvent ParticipantsEvent Participants

“THE TOUGHEST MENTAL CHALLENGE I HAVE EVER ENDURED!”

MAL MENINGAFormer Australian Rudby League Captain

New Media InitiativesNew Media InitiativesNew Media Initiatives

The 2010 Kokoda Challenge incorporated a number of high-tech advancements, that helped enhance the event and paved the way for further improvements.

A new interactive website was launched which features online donations, chat rooms, blogs, banner advertising, scrolling sponsors feature, advertorials, homepage feature stories & click through links.

The website is the key resource for competitors to access training programs, maps, sponsorship information & progress reports. .

The Kokoda Challenge website attracted 107,165 visits between the months of April-May, 2010, from 115 different countries.

During this time period the website attracted 46,632 new visitors.

In an Australian first, Kokoda Challenge teamed with KML Tracks, to implement a high-tech tracking system to allow “ real time” spectators to follow the progress of each team over the weekend via a course map on the website.

The timing devices also allowed competitors to move through checkpoints with greater ease and the recording of team times and locations was automated, reducing the need for hours of paperwork.

The Kokoda Challenge website attracted 107,165 visits between the months of April-May, 2010, from 115 different countries.

During this time period the website attracted 46,632 new visitors.

Our PartnershipsOur PartnershipsOur Partnerships

The 2008 Kokoda Challenge incorporated a number of high-tech advancements, that helped enhance the event and paved the way for further improvements.

A new interactive website was launched which features online donations, chat rooms, blogs, banner advertising, scrolling sponsors feature, advertorials, homepage feature stories &

Our PartnershipsOur PartnershipsOur Partnerships

Whilst the Kokoda Challenge Association is essentially a self-funded not for profit organisation, over the past four years, it has received financial and in-kind support from a number of commercial and community organisations for the Kokoda Challenge event.

In 2010 we welcomed BOOST Juice Bars as a major sponsor. BOOST Juice have been quick to identify the benefits of the event for building team morale, confidence and self belief and this support will help us achieve our goals.

Other financial partners who have continued to contribute are Relationships Australia, Southern Cross University, as well as Currumbin RSL who have been supporting the KCYP since it’s inception in 2005..

In-kind support for the event has come from Australian Defence Forces, Gold Coast City Council, The Spring Waterman, National Storage, KML Tracks, Bunnings Nerang and the Qld Police Services.

These financial and in-kind supporters have been instrumental in the long-term success of the Kokoda Challenge as their assistance in the foundation years ensured that a professional endurance event was carried out on minimal resources.

VolunteersVolunteersVolunteers

The management and organisation of the Kokoda Challenge is carried out by a dedicated group of volunteers who work year round towards improving and developing the Kokoda Challenge event.

On the weekend of the event itself over 300 volunteers lend their time to ensure the Kokoda Challenge is a safe and professional event for the competitors and their support crew.

Volunteers are an integral part of the Kokoda Challenge - without volunteers it could not exist.

This is particularly the case when it comes to the Gold Coast Bushwalkers Cub. Several members of this organisation joined the KCA and established the Kokoda Challenge route in 2005, and over 80 members of the Bushwalkers Club volunteer each year on the weekend of the event to ensure the checkpoints are manned by experienced personnel.

The KCA is always looking for new volunteers to help on during the year and over the weekend of the Kokoda Challenge. If you are interested, please contact our office.

Volunteers are not just integral to the Kokoda Challenge, but the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program as well. All the Leaders who roll out the Sunday training sessions and the trip to PNG are volunteers as well. Whilst this is helpful in keeping our costs minimal, it also ensures that everyone involved in our program are there because they want to help and give something back to the community - not because they are paid and this spirit shows through to the young people in the program.

Volunteers are an integral part of the Kokoda Challenge - without volunteers it could not exist.

If you would like more information about the Kokoda Challenge or the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, please contact Doug Henderson or Jacqui Taylor at the office:

www.kokodachallenge.com Email: info@kokodachallenge.com

1/26 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore Q 4214 PO Box 481, SOUTHPORT BC Q 4215

Ph: (07) 5539 4141 Fax: (07) 5597 4373

Wwww.kokodachallenge.com

ENDURANCE

MATESHIP

SACRIFICE COURAGE