We are proud to announce that the Kokoda Youth Foundation has been named the 2025 overall winner of the Gold Coast Business Excellence Award in the Education, Training and Employment category, recognising our longstanding commitment to young people across Southeast Queensland. This prestigious award was presented in the company of hundreds of esteemed Gold Coast businesspeople at The Star on Saturday 29 November, where our Board Chair, Lynley Mangin, and Marketing Manager, Charlotte McCullough, accepted the award on behalf of our entire Kokoda community.
For more than 20 years, our organisation has delivered fully-funded, values-driven programs to more than 1,400 young Australians. These life-changing programs have helped them build greater resilience, confidence and community connection, as they practise the values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice in real-life challenges and activities. Our Kokoda Challenge event series has also grown to become Australia’s toughest team endurance event as more than 8,800 participants each year push their physical and mental limits, while raising vital funds for our Foundation. Our Challengers are a shining example of the Kokoda spirit, as they fundraise to help our organisation deliver these impactful programs to more local youth.
“This achievement belongs to our staff, volunteers, alumni, supporters and event participants,” said Board Chair, Lynley Mangin. “Together, we continue to carry the Spirit of Kokoda and strengthen the future of our young people.”
