The Kokoda Youth Foundation rolled out the red carpet on October 11, 2025, for a night of celebration, reflection, and purpose at the 20 Year Gala Ball. Held at the Mercure Resort’s grand ballroom on the Gold Coast, the event brought together alumni, supporters, and community members to mark two decades of changing young lives through the Foundation’s transformative youth programs and Kokoda Challenge events.
The evening was a true celebration of the Foundation’s mission to build confidence, courage, and character in young Queenslanders. Guests enjoyed an elegant night of fine dining, flowing drinks, award presentations and live entertainment, including music, comedy, and a stunning cultural performance by Papua New Guinea dancers, who paid tribute to the 1942 Kokoda Campaign. It was filled with heartwarming moments as the audience heard from Founders, Doug and Anna Henderson, as well as a keynote speech from an original Kokoda Kid, Shane Stedwell, who had the crowd laughing at the ‘good old days’ when it all began. Fast-forward to our Youth Programs today, and our recent 2025 OTRT graduate, Krystal Chalker, took centre stage as she shared her gratitude for how the program changed her life.
“This Gala Ball was our way of celebrating our journey and thanking our community,” said CEO, Angela Debnam. “It was a chance to reflect on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved, the young people we’ve helped, and the many supporters who have made it all possible.”
Adding to the excitement were raffles and auctions featuring standout prizes – including a signed and framed microphone from global pop icon Katy Perry. Every dollar raised from the night will go directly toward funding our youth programs, ensuring more young people can experience the life-changing lessons of the Spirit of Kokoda.
Congratulations to our Gala Ball Distinguished Awardees
- 20th Anniversary Major Sponsor’s Award – The Springwater Man
- 20th Anniversary Influential Supporter’s award – Ros Bates MP
- 20th Anniversary Kokoda Challenge Legacy award – Adam Turner
- Daryl Todd Volunteer of the Year Award – Tamara Jarrett
Distinguished School Awards
- Helensvale State High School
- St Andrews Lutheran College
- Kimberley College
- Lindisfarne Anglican College
- Brisbane South State Secondary College
- Notre Dame College
- Cavendish Road State High School
- Laidley State High School
- Rosewood State High School
- The Lakes College
- Unity College
- Tamborine Mountain State High School
Distinguished Community Partner Awards
- Queensland Police Service, Rosewood
- Queensland Police Service, Laidley
Doug Henderson Outstanding Contribution Awards
- Jean Teamoke
- Sue Chapman
- Leanne Bradshaw
- Leigh & Glenn Bartlett
- Anthony Bevis
- Karen Purdy
- Mark Pearce
The 20 Year Gala Ball was not just a glamorous night to remember — it was a heartfelt reminder of the power of community, compassion, and giving back and we appreciate every person who was part of this important occasion.
