YMCA WA CEO visits Jigalong to help prepare eight Pilbara teens for a leadership development Kokoda hike

The chief executive of YMCA WA has made a visit to Jigalong to talk to the families of the eight Pilbara teens who have been selected to make an audacious trek along the Kokoda Track. The organisation, now known as the Y WA, has sponsored the trek, which will take place in October, and aims to develop the leadership skills and self-confidence of the participants. CEO Dr Tim McDonald visited Jigalong on August 3 and 4 to talk to the families of the teenagers and provide them with information on what the adventure entails. He said the 96km hike in the Papuan New Guinean rainforest will develop multiple skills in the young participants. “One young person from Newman had a great-grandfather who was involved in the Kokoda Track when he fought in World War Two,” he said, “So first of all the journey is about recognising history. “The trek is a personal challenge, it’s about discipline and preparing for the training, and then going on the Track and taking charge. “It’s about self-exploration and understanding you can push yourself, and it’ll help the group understand some of the decisions they make and help them learn what it means to be a leader within an organisation.” The eight Pilbara teens meet twice a week to train and they will be joined by two other groups from Kalgoorlie and Perth on the Kokoda Track. Dr McDonald said the Y WA was planning to create a documentary about the teens which will showcase their journey as they learn to become community leaders. In total 20 young people, who are involved in various youth organisations associated with Y WA, are taking part in the program.