Doug is a Vietnam Veteran who served as a medic with 6th Battalion RAR in 1966-67. He was seriously wounded in service and medically discharged from the army due to the injuries he sustained. He went on to own and operate a successful insurance assessing company and Express Courier business in Sydney before retiring to the Gold Coast in 1994.

Doug has served on the Australian government’s National Suicide Prevention Committee and Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Operations Working Party. In 2004, he resigned from his 10 year tenure as a Veterans’ Advocate to pursue his interest in Kokoda and supporting young Australians as founder of Kokoda Youth Foundation.

Lynley has been involved with the KYF since 2006 both as a competitor and a volunteer. Since 2009, she has been a leader and group leader with the youth program, walking the Kokoda Track for the 8th time in 2018.

In 2021 Lynley was elected Chair of the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
Professionally, Lynley works in IT and facilities management for the Brisbane office of a global medical indemnity group.

Eric joined the board of the Kokoda Youth Foundation in October 2021 and has been assisting the Foundation as a volunteer prior. Eric is a chartered accountant with over 15 years’ experience in business and taxation advisory and has been working with a wide range of businesses from varying industries and non-for-profit organisations. Eric is eager to put his knowledge and expertise to work for the KYF.

Nikki joined the Kokoda Youth Foundation Board in April 2023. Nikki has over 20 years’ experience in the education and sport industry including roles as Head Teacher PDHPE and Executive General Manager NSW Swifts. Nikki is currently the General Manager at Sport NSW helping to build the capability and capacity of sporting organisations. Nikki is a passionate advocate for engagement in sport and active recreation and the benefits this has on mental and physical health.

Sophie is an original 2005 Kokoda Kid, and has been involved with KYF ever since. Sophie has a background in health and education, with interests in working with the community. Sophie works as a paramedic and has qualifications in community service, education, small business management and health science (Hons).

She travelled to PNG as Doug Henderson’s medic and walked alongside him for the entire trek, tending to his medical needs and ensuring he completed the bucket list Kokoda Track in good health. This experience bonded Sophie to Doug and the Foundation more than she ever thought possible.

Belinda joined the KYF Board in November 2022. As a mother of two young boys, she knows all too well how critical the KYF values are to supporting young Australians in their journey into adulthood. Belinda has been practising as a property and commercial lawyer on the Gold Coast since 2006. She looks forward to using her experience to support the KYF team continue the vital work they do in the community.

Mark is the Director Information Systems at Accor where he has demonstrated abilities in strategic planning, developing and implementing business focused information systems and solutions over a 24 year career.  He is also a long time supporter and volunteer with the Kokoda Youth Foundation having been involved with Kokoda Challenge events since 2006. Mark was appointed to the Board of Management in 2019 and is committed to sharing his expertise in project, resource and change management to help further progress the KYF’s development as a charity.

Mike’s involvement with the KYF began in 2006 via corporate sponsorship assistance. Since then, Mike has completed multiple Kokoda Challenge events as well various volunteer roles.  As a career retail Manager Mike has studied at Monash University and is currently in a Queensland State Operations role focused on preventing corporate loss, risk and improving team capability. He attributes the Kokoda Challenge as the catalyst to changing his lifestyle and wellbeing for himself and family.  Appointed to the Board in 2022 Mike is committed to utilising his skills and knowledge to assist the Foundations future development and strategic goals.

Barry spent many years leading the Finance discipline within the University of Queensland Business School, where he now holds an honorary position and continues to lecture in the third year of the Bachelor of Commerce program.

Barry established Unorthodox Therapies Pty Ltd, a consulting practice which extends to a combination of biofeedback therapy and hypnotherapy. He is also the CEO and owner of Financial and Statistical Consultants Pty Ltd, a consulting practice to industry and government in finance and statistics.

In 2020, Barry became involved with Lifeline and is now a qualified Lifeline Crisis supporter, as well as being on their Disaster Recovery Team.  He is also involved in other volunteer work, as Treasurer for Braille House (a non-profit organisation which produces Braille products and services) and was heavily involved in developing the Digital Detox program for KYF.

Barry brings to the KYF Board a considerable amount of experience from the finance industry, the mental health and the non-profit sectors.