**The Kokoda Trail** is a legendary path that traces the route of a historic battle in World War II. It is a challenging and demanding trek through the rugged mountainous terrain of Papua New Guinea. **The journey is not for the faint of heart**, as it involves navigating treacherous terrain, battling extreme weather conditions, and enduring physical and mental fatigue.

“It has enabled them to flourish within their communities and push themselves well beyond what they thought they were capable of.” Camera Icon Belle Roberts is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime as she prepares to make the pilgrimage through Papua New Guinea’s gruelling Kokoda Trail as part of The Y’s 2024 Leadership and Development Program. Credit: Supplied The Y’s 2024 Kokoda Leadership and Development Program is run by the YMCA, an organisation “providing opportunities for children and young people to grow in body, mind and spirit”. Participants first came together in July for a three-day training camp where they took part in a rigorous fitness program to improve their physical and mental health.

Ms Roberts, a seasoned veteran of the Kokoda Track, shared her insights on the physical and mental demands of the trek. She emphasized the importance of proper training and preparation, highlighting the significant difference between the training camp and the actual trek. “It’s not just about the distance,” Ms Roberts said.

“No matter how difficult their life might be, this trek will give them a sense of purpose, they will get up every day and keep going. “Part of the power of Kokoda is when they get home and talk about the experience and they realise it’s a significant achievement.”