A group of Wyndham students are training for the trek of a lifetime.
The 12 students will join five police officers, a paramedic and five sponsors to take on the 96-kilometre Kokoda Track next month as part of the Wyndham Leaders of the Future program.
The group will leave for Papua New Guinea on April 17 and spend 10 days testing their physical and mental limits completing the trail.
Westgate divisional commander Stuart Bateson said group members were training every Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning in preparation for the challenge.
Superintendent Bateson said local schools were approached last year to nominate students who consistently displayed exemplary leadership skills.
Students also had to take part in written assessments and interviews before the final 12 were selected. Tarneit Secondary College student Amie Crawford said she was looking forward to experiencing the Kokoda trail.
“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” the 16-year-old said.
CrossFit Repercussion owner Matt Stockdale is donating his gym and time to help whip the group into shape.
Mr Stockdale, who has walked the Kokoda Track, said he was creating lower body endurance and building leg strength in the group ahead of the trek.
“I’ve walked the track, so I know what their bodies [will] want and need,” he said.
The Wyndham Leaders of the Future program is fundraising for the trek and will host an “Inside Story” event detailing the police investigation into Melbourne’s gangland killings.
Tickets cost $25. Click here to book.
