A group of Wyndham students has taken on the Kokoda Track – and won.
The 12 high school students joined five police officers, a paramedic and five sponsors on the 96-kilometre track last month as part of the Wyndham Leaders of the Future program.
The group spent 10 days testing their physical and mental limits on the trail, often battling wet and slippery conditions.
Suzanne Cory High School year 11 student Elizabeth Ta said it was an amazing experience for which no amount of gym training was sufficient preparation.
Jayden Sylvester, in year 12 at Wyndham Central College, said taking his backpack off at the end of each day and playing with kids in the villages were his highlights.
And Werribee Secondary College year 10 student Holly Sutcliffe-Carey said the relationships the group forged with their guides was amazing.
“We would slip and fall, and their hand would be there to pick you straight back up,” she said. “They were so incredibly selfless. If we were in danger of falling, they’d put themselves in more danger to save us.”
Exhausted and drained
First Constable Madeline Gillard said the conditions were enough to wear down even the most mentally strong.
“You’re physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and putting up with really, really appalling conditions,” she said.
Constable Amanda Bennett added: “And the smell that was coming from all of us was pretty revolting. I’ve never smelt that bad in my life.”
The group said hot showers, dry clothes, soft beds and “real food” were what they missed the most.
The Wyndham Leaders of the Future program pairs police officers with high school students who consistently display exemplary leadership skills.
