With over 12 years of experience in horticulture, I have cultivated a deep passion for all things plants and take great pride in helping customers transform their gardens into thriving green spaces.

As an OTRT Program Support Officer, I get to combine my love for plants with my passion for helping others, creating meaningful connections along the way.

In 2023 and 2024, I had the privilege of volunteering as a leader with the Kokoda Youth Foundation, guiding and mentoring young people through challenges designed to build resilience and personal growth. Throughout this journey, I’ve completed four 96km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenges, alongside numerous other events under the Kokoda umbrella—experiences that have strengthened my commitment to mentorship and community engagement.

Outside of work and volunteering, you’ll find me hiking, running, or enjoying time with like-minded individuals. I also love golf, tennis, and, of course, gardening—activities that keep me active and connected to the great outdoors.

I find fulfilment in mentoring youth, sharing my passion for nature and outdoor challenges, and supporting others in reaching their personal and physical goals.

Ben joins the Kokoda team with an extensive background in the tourism and technology sector focusing on operations and training for volunteers. He gets immense joy in delivering the Kokoda Challenge Events and seeing teams push pass their physical limits and achieving their goal together.

Outside of the office you will find him running around after two young crazy boys, is studying to become a certified Youth Worker or listening to the lasted podcast on Military History.

Tara has joined the Kokoda Youth Foundation team coming from a background in sports.  She worked at Tennis Australia for the last 6 years where she was part of event operations and tournament organisation with Tennis World. Tara loves working in events as she enjoys the excitement that the participants bring at the beginning of the event, and the happiness and joy that they experience when finishing the event. She brings a depth of experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders and looks forward to working more closely with schools and organisations in her Business Developing role.

Away from the Kokoda Youth Foundation you will find Tara training for her next triathlon or endurance event and spending time with her friends and family.

Jessie has always had a passion to help young people strive and achieve their potential, while recognising that one’s adolescent years can be turbulent and detrimental without the right foundation and support. Completing a bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare majoring in youth work, Jessie is determined to make lasting change in today’s young people.

With a background of school-based mentor programs at Arcadia College, Jessie is no stranger to the classroom. Along with her time at the forefront of the health pandemic COVID-19, Jessie was providing emergency relief through the St Johns Crisis Centre, which equipped her with a multi-faceted set of skills in these areas: food relief, drugs and alcohol, homelessness, family outreach programs and domestic and family violence.

Cassie is passionate about working in the youth space and creating meaningful, positive change in young people’s lives. She holds a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology and bring a strong understanding of youth development and wellbeing to her work. Cassie previously worked as a Youth Worker at Rosewood State High School for three years, where she played a key role as a school support staff member in helping to implement Kokoda’s On the Right Track program, supporting students to build resilience, engagement, and positive pathways.

Outside of her professional work, Cassie value’s personal growth, challenge, and balance. She has completed the 48km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge for three consecutive years – an experience that strengthened her teamwork, perseverance, and leadership skills. She enjoys hiking and spending time in nature, as well as music, which helps her recharge and stay grounded