KOKODA YOUTH FOUNDATION 2016 ANNUAL … YOUTH FOUNDATION 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 2 CONTENTS HAIRMAN’S...

KOKODA YOUTH FOUNDATION 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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CONTENTS

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

NEW INITIATIVES ............................................................................................................................................................... 3

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS ........................................................................................................................................... 4

RECOGNITION .................................................................................................................................................................... 4

TREASURER’S REPORT ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

AUDITOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT ......................................................................................................................................... 7

KYF PROFILE AND HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................... 8

YOUTH PROGRAMS ........................................................................................................................................................... 8

MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP................................................................................................... 10

SPONSORSHIP UPDATE ................................................................................................................................................... 10

UPDATES ON MAJOR SPONSORS .................................................................................................................................... 11

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................................................................................................ 11

SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11

YOUTH SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

KOKODA CHALLENGE YOUTH PROGRAM (KCYP) ............................................................................................................ 13

ON THE RIGHT TRACK ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

ISURAVA YOUTH BOOT CAMP ......................................................................................................................................... 14

FUTURE GOVERNMENT FUNDED YOUTH PROGRAMS .................................................................................................... 15

CAMP KOKODA ................................................................................................................................................................ 15

EVENTS AND OPERATIONS .............................................................................................................................................. 16


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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

2015 has been a year of growth and most importantly learning for

Kokoda Youth Foundation. Clarity has been gained around the

understanding that Kokoda Youth Foundation is a Social Enterprise

applying commercial strategies such as Events and Outdoor Education

to maximise improvements in human and environmental well-being.

These commercial activities allow the Foundation to raise funds for the

Youth programs along with assisting to achieve the vision of ‘Changing

Lives’. The social impact KYF enjoys is contribution; Youth Program

participants, Event Competitors and School Camp Participants along

with the Communities in which we have the pleasure of being a part.

With a change in Government during 2015, the pilot programs Isurava

Youth Boot Camp and Logan Learning Initiative were unfortunately

wound up. This decision was passed despite the independent report

completed by KPMG recommending KYF be refunded. As quoted in their

report, “Going forward, it is recommended that the Gold Coast continues

as a pilot for a further period of time, with changes to the referral process

to ensure a broader range of pathways into the program and potentially

expanding eligibility criteria to increase the intake of young people who

have been subject to Youth Justice Conferencing or a supervised

statutory order.”

Some indicative statements highlighting the strength of the Isurava program were:

“The perceived effectiveness of the Gold Coast EIYBC program is due to the extensive therapeutic training of the staff

and the evidence based program they have developed. The Gold Coast EIYBC program is able to encourage long-term

behavioural change by using evidence based modules such as emotional abseil and the family therapy sessions run by

a Gottman trained family psychologist.”

“Another significant strength of the Gold Coast EIYBC program has been its strong community connections – it is able

to refer the young people to a range of support networks as well as encourage a wider range of referrals.”

A positive result despite the outcome and something that I’m proud to have the opportunity to be a part of.

With the completion of Gov’t funding, it became time to refocus our energies on what we are good at; Events and

Outdoor education.

NEW INITIATIVES KOKODA STAMPEDE TRAIL RUNNING SERIES With the trend in the events industry steering towards trail running, KYF have introduced a 5/10km trail run series to our 30.15 series in Toowoomba, Brisbane and Melbourne for 2016. This extends the Kokoda Challenge events on offer to include individuals who are able to participate singularly in the trail runs and progress to the 30.15 km events into the 48km half event and then the ultimate 96km event on the Gold Coast held annually in July.


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SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS SOCIAL IMPACT Our most significant achievement of the 2014-2015 period is in reaching a total of 2500 youth doing Outdoor

Education, 2100 youths completing the events and reaching a total of over 600 young Australians through our Youth

Programs.

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES The management team of KYF undertook some HR workshops to review our Vision & Values, Policies and

Procedures, Recruitment selection, Performance Management and last but probably most important Reward and

Recognition. These workshops were the beginning of a new awareness for KYF as we introduced our new Vision &

Mission; ‘Changing Lives through the Kokoda Spirit’.

CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING Kokoda Youth Foundation were approached by the Accor Hotel Group to partner with them in providing their biannual Race to Survive event. 40 teams of 4 people from Accor Hotels joined forces to complete timed activities and tuff it out in the Gold Coast Hinterland on parts of the Kokoda Challenge track. Being the 100th year of Anzac celebration, the event was appropriately themed and resulted in a huge success of enjoyment, achievement and relationship building for all involved. Accor Hotels generously donated $40,000 to KYF at their event presentation dinner. The Kokoda Youth Foundation team looks forward to continuing relationships with Accor Hotel Group.

SUCCESSFUL FUNDING APPLICATIONS An exciting opportunity to partner with NAB during the Kokoda 48 event for 2015 lead to KYF being nominated to apply for funding in the NAB Community Grants program. Our successful application has resulted in funding being available to hold an On the Right Track program in conjunction with Gold Coast High Schools for 2016. In addition to this KYF have also experienced success in acquiring funding to build infrastructure at our Camp Kokoda Property in Maroon through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

RECOGNITION

Thank you to the Kokoda Youth Foundation Board of Directors, who donate many hours to the strategic development of the Kokoda Youth Foundation. Much gratitude also to our hardworking team who bring it all to fruition. With such dedicated staff and the unwavering support of competitors and sponsors, this year has been a year of growth and learning. We once again acknowledge the significant contribution made by our volunteers. These individuals are crucial to virtually every aspect of our operation. This includes our incredibly committed KCYP leaders who donate approx. 10 hours per week for 22 weeks each year in addition to 12 days for the PNG peak experience, and of course the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who make all four of our events a resounding success. By allowing us to keep operational costs down, you allow us to contribute more money to our youth programs and in turn assist Kokoda Youth Foundation to achieve the vision of ‘Changing lives’. A very big THANK YOU!

Doug Henderson OAM

Executive Chairman


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TREASURER’S REPORT

This year the Kokoda Youth Foundation (KYF) changed its financial year to a conventional 1 July – 30 June financial

year instead of the previous 1 October – 30 September financial year. This was to better align the KFY financial year

with the government program financial year and thus simplify the accounting for government programs. Thus the

accounts for the 2015 financial year are only for the nine months from 1 October 2014 – 30 June 2015.

For these nine months ended 30 June 2015, the KYF had a successful financial year, making a surplus of 29%. The

surplus figure though does not include the full cost of the PNG trips - which occur in the first quarter of the new

financial year – so is higher than it would be if it included these costs. The surplus generated by KYF is a result of the

huge volunteer contribution to the KYF. KYF is very grateful for, and heavily dependent on, the efforts of its

volunteers throughout the organisation.

KYF is in a sound financial position, which provides a solid foundation for the continued growth of its youth

programs. However, as noted above, these figures would be less if the financial year had been a full 12 months.

Total liabilities increased significantly by 120%, primarily being payments due for competitor merchandise and

registration fees refundable due to the cancellation of events (see comments on the Stampede below).

Key revenues and funding sources in the financial year were:

Donations & Funding: 52.66%

Event registration fees: 21.49%

School camps: 24.43%

Total donations and registration fees generated by events decreased from the previous year by 17%. This is in

addition to a 12% decrease in the 13/14 FY from the 12/13 FY. This is a consequence of issues such as the maturing

of the primary event (the Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge), the increasing saturation of the “adventure walk” event

market place and the subdued general economic climate. The reversal of this trend is a key element in ensuring the

continued growth of the KYF.

Camp Kokoda operations made a surplus of 9%, a significant improvement on the previous FY surplus of 1.6% (which

itself was an improvement from a loss the previous year). This was driven by both an increase in overall revenue and

a decrease in costs from the previous FY.


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A significant acquisition of the Stampede obstacle racing business was made during the financial year in order to

leverage the KYF brand into additional adventure racing events and provide access to a further data base of potential

competitors. However, this business has proven to be not as successful as anticipated, and thus this acquisition will

have an adverse impact on the organisations financial performance in the 15/16 FY.

The financial and administrative requirements on the KYF remain complex as they need to manage the three distinct

but interrelated programs within the KYF. These are:

The KCYP funded by the conduct of “adventure walk” events

Government sponsored youth programs funded by government grants

The school camp program

A number of improvements continue to be made to the KYF financial systems to improve the effectiveness and

efficiency of these systems.

In summary, whilst some trends need to be corrected, the financial position of KYF is strong and provides the

necessary financial foundation for the continued operation and growth of the KYF youth programs.


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AUDITOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT

Total income: $2,103,547 (9 months)

Total expenses: $1,473,857 (9 months)

22%

53%

24%

1%

Income 2014-2015 - 9 months

Events

Donations & Funding

Camp Kokoda

Head Office

24%

52%

26%

5%

Expenses 2014-2015 - 9 months

Event

Youth Programs

Camp Kokoda

Administration Expenses


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KYF PROFILE AND HISTORY Kokoda Youth Foundation is a charity (PBI) founded by Doug Henderson OAM and his wife Anna in 2004 for the development of Australian youth. The inspiration for the Foundation comes from the young, untested soldiers of the 39th Battalion who fought on the Kokoda Track during World War II. In the face of extraordinary hardship, they displayed courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. These values embody the Kokoda Spirit and are central to Kokoda Youth Foundation’s vision and mission of ‘Changing Lives’. We create experiences that have the potential to reshape character, reset personal limits, reconnect people with each other and nature, and help them discover the true meaning of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. The consistency of vision and mission across every aspect of our social enterprise maximises our outcomes and reinforces our positive influence on young Australians and local communities.

YOUTH PROGRAMS KOKODA CHALLENGE YOUTH PROGRAM (KCYP) The 14 month KCYP has two main phases designed for personal development. In the first phase teens participate in a series of progressively difficult trail walks, including The Kokoda Challenge. Team members learn how to support each other, why the lessons of Kokoda are so significant, how physical and mental fitness can contribute to a better life, and how much more capable they are than they previously realised. Upon completing phase one, they spend 10 days in Papua New Guinea visiting memorials and decisive battlegrounds, and walking the Kokoda Track or living and working alongside the Papuan people. Returning home, they enter the community service phase of the program. Volunteering their time at a wide range of community and charity events and demonstrating initiative by organising and participating in their own service opportunities, they give back to their communities and demonstrate their personal growth.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK (OTRT) In partnership with local councils and using the KCYP as a blueprint, On the Right Track is condensed into a six month program that includes a local peak experience. This enables life-changing programs to be delivered to more young people each year.

FUNDRAISING FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS

THE KOKODA CHALLENGE The Foundation raises funds through the rollout of various team trail walking events. The Foundation’s flagship event, The Kokoda Challenge, is 96 kilometres of mountainous terrain completed within 39 hours. This pays homage to the length of the Kokoda Track and the soldiers of the 39th Battalion who valiantly fought there. Many volunteers sacrifice their time to ensure the event takes place. Teams turn out for 24 individual fundraising events of varying lengths in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, including the School Championship Cup Series, the 30.15 Kokoda Challenge Series, the Kokoda Stampede Trail Running Series, The Kokoda Challenge (96), and The Kokoda Challenge (48).


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CAMP KOKODA Camp Kokoda is a sustainable social enterprise that contributes profits to the Foundation’s youth development programs. Located on semi-wilderness property in the Scenic Rim Shire, this outdoor adventure facility provides experiences for students and community groups to reconnect with each other and the environment, discover the stories of the Kokoda Spirit, and face challenges that stretch their thinking about life, personal choices and their potential. At the heart of Kokoda Youth Foundation is the goal of CHANGING LIVES!


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MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP During the past 6 months we have been identifying the current state of play with the Kokoda Youth Foundation in regards to sponsorship, media and advertising mediums plus new events and concepts – all aspects that shape new business development. We believe it vitally important to the KYF to capitalise on the incredible base that the Kokoda Challenge events portfolio currently has and look to increase participation and sponsorship levels across all events. We feel that by making informed and strategic improvements we can secure an excellent level of event sponsorship particularly at The Kokoda Challenge Gold Coast Event. To assist with creating a desirable platform to attract new potential sponsors we have introduced the following:

The new Kokoda Challenge Events logo, which encompasses all of the Kokoda events and brings the events together

New specific Kokoda Challenge logos for each event Creation of the ‘30-15’ series which includes Toowoomba, Brisbane and Melbourne Added the new Kokoda Stampede Trail Running event to the series which now creates a pathway from a 5km

run/walk through to the 96km run/walk Designed a new Kokoda Events website which will launch mid-January Designed a fortnightly newsletter ‘Kokoda e-News’ which will advertise and promote our events, Camp Kokoda

and various aspects of the KYF including sponsors Created new levels of sponsorship proposals clearly designating the sponsorship benefits to each partner Created a 3-day ‘Race to Survive’ model to be presented to various corporate businesses as part of a

sponsorship proposal Are currently creating standard operating practices on the ‘look and feel’ of each event.

SPONSORSHIP UPDATE INCUMBENT SPONSORS Currently we are presenting to a number of our current sponsors and creating new levels of benefits for each one. Each sponsor will be offered a particular level such as Gold, Silver and Bronze, which will include the first right of refusal. It is our aim that a cash component be included in each sponsorship proposal with the rights and benefits assigned proportionately to the contribution. These include:

Condev Constructions – Presenting Sponsor Southern Cross University – Official University Wild Earth – Official Online Store SOK Images – Official Photographer

Where categories are free of an incumbent sponsor we are currently presenting or have presented to new sponsors and look forward to exciting new relationships to nurture.


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UPDATES ON MAJOR SPONSORS CONDEV CONSTRUCTION KYF have secured a presenting sponsor of the Kokoda Challenge Series, Condev Construction, a local building company who have been involved in local events for the past 10 years. Condev are not only committed to the Kokoda Challenge Events in way of sponsorship income over a 3 year period but are also committed to the KCYP by having a fundraising target each year raised by their competing teams in the Kokoda Challenge event and most importantly provide work experience opportunities for KYF kids.

WILD EARTH Wild Earth is a long time sponsor and supporter of the KYF. Previously they have provided equipment and clothing for the KYF and provided support at checkpoints of The Kokoda Challenge event. They have also provided employment for Kokoda kids in the past.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES Outside of traditional sponsorship opportunities Kokoda Events is also creating a blue print for 3-day team building events, which can be presented to corporate organisations. These team-building events can be an extra source of income and provide a unique point of difference to our current events while still staying within our core business.

KOKODA STAMPEDE TRAIL RUNNING SERIES As mentioned in the events report, the Kokoda Stampede Trail Running Series was created after watching the trends of current events in the USA and Australia. Endurance events in the USA are still growing as a whole but the fastest growing medium is trail running. Because of Kokoda Challenge’s great relationship with National Parks and the concept that our core events were created in, the Trail Series seems a natural progression for our events program. Currently we are adding the trail runs to our 30-15 series in Toowoomba, Brisbane and Melbourne, which is a safe introduction to the brand in year one. Once established, there may be justification to expand the series to a stand-alone event with an Australia-wide series. It is imperative we launch the series in 2016, as it will be a huge disadvantage coming to market late as several trail running events have been created.

KOKODA CHALLENGE DOCUMENTARY At the 2016 Kokoda Challenge Gold Coast, we are aiming to create a documentary encompassing the event, the KYF, professional teams and the ‘every day’ person’s journey to the finish line. We will also incorporate the Kokoda story with key interviews from our patrons. It is our view that this documentary will raise the awareness of the event and the work of the KYF in a significant way that will lead to larger sponsorship opportunities and increase participation.

SUMMARY New business development can take many different forms.


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New business development can be the creation of new events, the improvement of current events to make them more commercially appealing to sponsors, adding new concepts such as corporate team building challenges plus improving our brand assets to assist in the promotion of the Kokoda Challenge. It also includes increasing participation numbers at each event. It is imperative that the ‘base of what we are selling’ to sponsors is solid so that tangible benefits can be provided to our partners. It is also important to partner with sponsors who believe in the Kokoda Youth Foundation and that the partnership is a ‘win-win’ for both parties. We have been meticulously looking at all assets within the Kokoda Challenge Events and have embarked on their development to allow us every opportunity to realise commercial success.


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YOUTH SERVICES Our Youth Services has been on one huge roller coaster ride this year, the peaks being glowing endorsements of all our programs to the troughs of successful Government funded contracts not being re-funded. We do have the possibility of further involvement with Government funded programs and numerous other exciting avenues for further youth programs are being explored.

KOKODA CHALLENGE YOUTH PROGRAM (KCYP) On Friday the 21st of August 31 young people Graduated from the 2014 KCYP with a Gala Dinner held at the Southport RSL Club. The graduating young men and ladies displayed maturity and growth which was particularly evident by the compelling speeches made by selected participants from each group. It was truly inspiring to witness the wonderful strong characters that have developed through this program.

2015 KCYP This year we have ran four KCYP groups adding Toowoomba to the already existing Gold Coast, Tweed River and Brisbane groups. We commenced in May with 43 kids and 14 volunteer leaders. 39 kids with 13 leaders departed for PNG on 17th of September and returned on the 28th September. From all reports the kids and leaders had a tough yet rewarding adventure. There were some challenges that popped up but they were managed and were not detrimental to the overall experience. Due to some organisational circumstances, a change was required to day 10 of the Track itinerary. The group stayed at John Derek’s camp rather than at Fala Village. The feedback was that this change worked well and the positive experience at John Derek’s camp may result in this now being the preferred option for day 10. The feedback from those that completed the ‘Beachhead’ or ‘Village’ experience was that it was a fantastic adventure and participants did not really feel like it was any less rewarding than completing the Track. The 2015 KCYP kids moved into the Community Service phase. The Tweed group kicked off by participating in the heart warming ‘Surfing for the Disabled’ at Flat Rock Beach, Currumbin on Sunday 15th of November. All groups attended Camp Kokoda for a working bee on Saturday 28th of November. We had 60 people attending including Kokoda Kids, Leaders and a number of parents. A number of tasks were undertaken including moving rocks from a grassed area beside the creek, repainting and cleaning up the stone ‘Camp Kokoda’ sign and planting an area at the entrance to the camp. 30 people, including the whole Brisbane group, took up the opportunity to camp the night.

2016 KCYP After some staff changes, Russell Aitken is co-ordinating the KCYP. He previously co-ordinated and delivered the successful Isurava Program and the Logan Learning Initiative. Recruitment for the 2016 KCYP is well underway. We have been in contact with over 40 schools across our 4 regions. Several school presentations have been held utilising current leaders and Kokoda kids. Predominately schools have requested presentations to be conducted at the commencement of school 2016. Letters, posters and flyers have been sent out to the most appropriate staff at each school to display in suitable locations at the school. We have already had 22 applications received and numerous further enquires. We have had more than 30 persons express interest in becoming a volunteer leader with 9 so far submitting

applications. 5 from Brisbane, 2 from Gold Coast and 2 from Tweed.


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ON THE RIGHT TRACK

FRANKSTON Frankston, Victoria have completed the 2015 OTRT program. 8 participants graduated on the 7th of December. Doug Henderson was able to attend the function and personally congratulate the youths for their commitment in completing the program. Congratulations also needs to go to Jessie Young and her team who have done a fantastic job with this group of kids. From running the weekly group days involving hiking and life skills to numerous educational expeditions to museums and other places of significance. Their peak experience was a trip to the Gold Coast to in the Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge. The trip here was an adventure in itself with cancelled flights and then being re-routed to the Sunshine Coast and a long bus trip back to the Gold Coast. The kids however did enjoy the Challenge event and their trip. As the final component of their program the group performed Community Service activities in the Frankston area. This included working with agencies such as ArCare Aged Care, Riding for the Disabled and Bike4Life.

GOLD COAST We have been in discussions to finalise the format of our Gold Coast OTRT program. There has been some delays due to the unfortunate death of a significant staff member at Pacific Pines SHS and also the retirement of the principal. We are currently working with Ian Wooten, a highly motivated teacher at the school who is extremely keen to get this program started. The program format will be presented to the new principal once school starts and the program is most likely to kick off for the second term with the participant selections being made during the first term.

ISURAVA YOUTH BOOT CAMP The Isurava Early Intervention Youth Boot Camp, along with other Government ran youth programs, was not re-funded and ceased operation at the end of September 2015. The Isurava program was however, deemed to be highly successful. In 2015 we ran 3 groups on the Gold Coast and another program in the Logan area under the name ‘Logan Learning Initiative’. The groups were made up of participants with a variety of complex needs. The outcomes achieved were excellent with most participants re-engaging with education and displaying a far greater commitment to their future than they had prior to engaging with the program. Three participants applied for and were selected to be part of the 2015 KCYP and went on to also do very well in this program. A review of the Queensland EIYBC program was commissioned by the Queensland State Government and conducted by KPMG. KPMG compiled an extensive 250 page report. The results of this report, in summary, were that the Isurava YBC was a highly successful program which met the requirements and guidelines set out and consideration


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should have been made to continue this particular model with some adaptions to suit the developing needs of the community agencies involved.

FUTURE GOVERNMENT FUNDED YOUTH PROGRAMS Basically due to the proven success of our Isurava Program fully endorsed by the independent report, Queensland Youth Justice are very keen to run future programs in partnership with Kokoda Youth Foundation. Youth Justice are currently developing a format for a program working with youths involved with Youth Justice. It will contain many of the aspects of our Isurava program with a more extensive final phase aimed at getting the participant engaged in further education or employment.

CAMP KOKODA Camp Kokoda has had yet another productive year in 2015. Nick Chapman joined our Camp Kokoda team in a full time capacity, and has since qualified as a trainer and assessor which we intend to utilise to increase the level of training and qualifications within our organisation. In 2015 we had 28 schools attend Camp Kokoda, 3 of these were new schools and almost 2000 participants attended totalling over 7000 participant days. For 2016 we have another 4 new bookings with the potential of growing more and more as we become one of the most familiar well renowned camps in South East QLD which is what we strive for at Camp Kokoda. Along with our school camps, Camp Kokoda was fortunate enough to partake in providing a team building event for Accor Hotel groups alongside the Events team. It was a great success and since then we have had more corporate enquiries. Camp Kokoda has a new shed building being erected in 2016 to improve our wet weather options and provide an undercover area as well as an indoor lecturing room for our youth and school camp students.


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EVENTS AND OPERATIONS This year has been another strong year for events organised by The Kokoda Youth Foundation (KYF). The Kokoda Challenge brand of events remains strongly positioned in an ever increasingly crowded event market, in particular in South East Queensland, home of KYF.

KOKODA CHALLENGE TOOWOOMBA The 2015 Toowoomba Kokoda Challenge attracted around 800 participants between the 15km & 30km event. This was a 100% growth in numbers from 2014. Locally, The KYF have a strong partnership with the Rotary Club of Toowoomba South (RCTS) and this is a great resource in particular with local marketing and local sponsorship. The RCTS have done a great job in attracting $15,000 worth of sponsorship for 2016 and will again prove to be a great support in distributing print material locally. The town of Toowoomba offers little competition in terms of events of this kind. This combined with the fact that The KYF invests back into the area and positively impacts Toowoomba youth makes the event very strongly positioned.

KOKODA CHALLENGE BRISBANE The Brisbane event last year was The KYF’s largest 15/30km event outside of the Gold Coast event attracting just short of 1200 participants. The strength and awareness of The Kokoda Youth Foundation in SEQ is clear to see here. The event which isn’t too far from the Gold Coast offers many participants the opportunity to use the event as a training walk for The Kokoda Challenge which takes place around 6 weeks later. The event takes place in the suburb of Brookfield and offers a large catchment area for potential competitors, being only 20 minutes from Brisbane. This event is certainly ‘Good for the Kids’ and heading into its 6th year KYF should be proud of the strength of the event.

THE KOKODA CHALLENGE GOLD COAST The Kokoda Challenge taking place on the Gold Coast in July is KYF’s largest and most important event contributing to over 70% of income into the charity. 2015 saw the introduction of the half distance event (48km) starting at Numinbah Hall and finishing at Nerang Velodrome. The ‘NAB Kokoda 48’ event is already close to being sold out for 2016 with 300 competitors at the start line this year. 2015 also saw record numbers in the Jim Stillman Cup (Schools 48km), with 189 teams. Likewise the Stan Bisset Cup (Schools 96km) had record numbers of 66 teams. The course is unique and is quickly becoming known as one of Australia’s toughest events. The Gold Coast Hinterland has some extremely difficult terrain and makes the course tougher than most similar events. With a 25% drop out rate for the 96km distance – the event offers participants a chance to really challenge themselves on what will become one of Australia’s bucket list events. We are pleased to also announce that 2016 will be the start of a 3 year sponsorship with Condev Construction that will see the Gold Coast based construction firm as the presenting rights sponsor for The Kokoda Challenge.

KOKODA CHALLENGE MELBOURNE The Kokoda Challenge Melbourne, in its sixth year in 2015 saw 350 competitors take to the Dandenongs to embark upon the 15km or 30km challenge. The fantastic fundraising efforts of a relatively small field in Melbourne saw donations exceed $20,000 enabling KYF to continue to fund the ‘On the Right Track’ program in partnership with Frankston City Council. Kokoda digger, Alan ‘Kanga’ Moore was present on the day to congratulate participants as they crossed the finish line.


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ACCOR RACE TO SURVIVE Early in 2015 KYF were approached by Accor Hotel Group to organise their biannual Race to Survive event. The event saw 50 hotel teams from around Australia and New Zealand take part in the Race to Survive event, which lasted for 3 days. The Accor teams of four tackled parts of our Kokoda Challenge course here on the Gold Coast whilst being tested with team building activities by Camp Kokoda staff along the way. The event, our last of the year, was a great success, culminating with receiving a $40,000 donation from the hotel group at the closing dinner.


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KOKODA YOUTH FOUNDATION 2016 ANNUAL … YOUTH FOUNDATION 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 2 CONTENTS HAIRMAN’S...

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