We’re proud to announce that Kokoda Youth Foundation has been selected to deliver the Queensland’s Regional Reset program across the Gold Coast region, in addition to Ipswich. This will support up to 600 at-risk young people in this region over the next four years and has been funded by the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support, as part of the State Government’s Making Our Community Safer plan.

Kokoda’s Isurava Regional Reset Program is an early-intervention initiative for young people aged 8–17 who are displaying early criminal or anti-social behaviours and are at risk of disengaging from school and the justice system. Our comprehensive 12-month program includes wilderness-based camps at our Outdoor Education facilities, intensive mentoring, family engagement and a supported transition back into education, training or employment.

With more than 20 years’ experience delivering evidence-based youth development programs, our organisation is uniquely positioned to provide this program. Grounded in the Kokoda values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice, Isurava addresses key drivers of disengagement such as trauma, disrupted relationships and lack of identity, while equipping participants with tools to make positive life choices.

Detective Acting Inspector, Nathan Boddy, of the Gold Coast District Vulnerable Persons Group welcomed and endorsed this initiative in our region: “The QPS is very excited about the commencement of Kokoda Youth Foundation’s Isurava Program on the Gold Coast. With a focus on resilience, personal growth, and tailored one-on-one mentoring over 12 months, it represents a valuable program for any young person at risk and in need of support.”

We’re proud to announce that Kokoda Youth Foundation has been selected to deliver one of Queensland’s Regional Reset programs. As part of the Queensland Government’s Making Queensland Safer plan, our Isurava Regional Reset Program will be delivered in Ipswich and Gold Coast from December 2025, reaching up to 600 young people aged 8–17 over the next four years. This program will provide a structured, phased intervention and is founded on more than two decades of experience working with young people at risk. It’s not just a short stay, it’s a full journey of reconnection, growth, and opportunity, including:

The program spans seven core phases, including:

• A detailed intake and assessment
• Seven-day residential Foundation Camp with therapeutic and challenge-based activities;
• 10-week intensive mentoring phase in the community
• Five-day wilderness growth camp
• Further 10-week transition period with weekly mentoring and community service to support education and behaviour change
• Four-day “Peak Experience” expedition
• Six months of ongoing support.

Importantly, the independent KPMG evaluation of Queensland’s previous youth bootcamp trials found our model to be the only one to demonstrate sustained, positive outcomes. We thank the Queensland Government for recognising the power of early intervention and placing trust in community-led organisations to deliver real change.