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Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge Interview with the 2012 Winner- Benjamin Jerez

Walk in the Footprints of Heroes

Australians walk the Kokoda Track in memory of more than 2,000 soldiers who died during World War II while defending Papua New Guinea from the invading Japanese army. Walking the Kokoda Track is both a mental and physical challenge that has the potential to draw out previously unseen leadership skills. 

“You can read about it, you can watch

 documentaries, you can watch the

movies, but until you have walked the

footsteps you’ll never understand it.”

Charlie Lynn – former Australian Soldier

& NSW Upper House Politician

Our Interview with 2012 winner - Benjamin Jerez

What does Kokoda mean to you?

Kokoda is the most significant WW2 location and event in our ANZAC history. It is very important to me that we always pay tribute and respect to those soldiers, as they are what saved our nation from invasion.

I know how much of an honour and privilege it will be to walk and endure the trek. Completing the trek with other young people nationwide, would mean the world to me! I keep the ANZAC spirit close to me as it gives me a sense of pride and belonging to who I am today.                                                                                                    

What sporting activities / hobbies are you involved in?

I love sport, I always have. 

I started Taekwondo at the age of four and have pursued it to this very day. It is my passion and I plan to continue Taekwondo for the rest of my life. 

I also play football for my local club the South Bunbury Football Club. I play for their colts team and I also coach an Under 13s side full of young boys who share the same passion for football as me. 

They are both sports that I play at competitive level. Cricket, tennis and volleyball are sports that I play at a social level, and appreciate more for their welcoming community and social nature.

Tell us about your community contributions / volunteer work.

I have been part of my community’s Youth Advisory Council ( A group of young people who have concerns about the issues teenagers face today, and also a bunch who love to host events for people in our community), since the age of 12. We volunteer for other groups such as the over 50s, Group TENG (an environmentalist group) and the local Lions Club. I am now the President of the group and we have huge goals for the upcoming year.

What drives your passion for your community?

I really believe in giving to the community because the joy and success that comes out of it is really worthwhile. This passion started when I volunteered coaching and teaching taekwondo for my club. Seeing the appreciation from the parents and kids was priceless and it creates an addictive buzz that keeps me

going. 

I emphasize the satisfaction and joy that is the result of volunteering and helping, and also highlight how important volunteers are to our community. If I ever see a teenager who is lonely, isolated or wanting something more I always suggest to join a group, club or to volunteer because the environment is always very welcoming and supportive.

What are you looking forward to most on the trek?

I hope to achieve a better understanding of my nation’s history and ANZAC spirit. 

I also am hoping to grow friendships throughout the trip, where we support and encourage each other to push to the limit. I hope that the friends I make will be friends for a lifetime. 

I also hope to have a better understanding and appreciation for the Papua New Guinean culture and traditions. They are such a fascinating culture with very interesting beliefs and traditions.

Is there anything you’re apprehensive about for the trek?

I am cautious about the extreme weather; I have never been in such harsh conditions so that is one aspect I am a little apprehensive about. 

Also my health while I am over there - I am hoping I don’t get any stomach bugs and chronic migraines. The incline and altitude of some of the track is quite intimidating too, as I have heard from people who have completed the trek; that the incline of some of the terrain will be my biggest challenge.

How are you preparing yourself, mentally and physically, for the trek?

I have been going for runs at a high intensity for a distance around five to six kilometres. Extended walks have also been on my training program - These, I consider important, as I have tried to simulate many variables the same as what will be like on the trek. I often take a bag or weights and walk through areas with coarse tracks and incline. I do many different core exercises, as the core is important for keeping all muscles such as the back and abdomen strong and stable. Mentally has been a bit more of a challenge, however comes into practice when I am found having to ‘push’ myself to complete a run or bridge (core exercise).

Anything else you’d like to say?

I would really like to give my heartfelt thanks to Clubs WA for choosing me to go on this life changing experience. I am thrilled to represent Western Australia and Clubs WA on this trek and I look forward to being back and sharing my stories with everyone! 

Clubs WA wishes Benjamin a safe journey! 

This article can also be found on our website at www.clubswa.com.au