Student Voice & Leadership
Kokoda Trek Opportunity – Student Leadership Expedition
We’re excited to inform our school community that Belmont High School is exploring the opportunity to partner with Western Heights College for a Kokoda Leadership Trek in June 2026. This unique experience will be open to students currently in Years 9 and 10 (who will be in Years 10 and 11 in 2026).
More information relating to this opportunity will be communicated to families of the relevant year levels early next week.
In the September school holidays, Mali Martin of 11 Mango completed the Kokoda Track walk. Her dedication and resilience throughout this challenging journey truly exemplify our school values. Mali’s experience is an inspiring example of what our students can achieve and you can read about her experience below.
Kokoda Trek Experience – By Mali Martin
Earlier this year, I was incredibly lucky to be nominated by the school to take part in the Geelong Youth Engagement Kokoda Program. Back in February, I went through an interview process, and not long after, I found out I’d been selected to represent our school on the Kokoda trek.
The Kokoda Track is a 120-kilometre trail in Papua New Guinea, known as one of the toughest unassisted hikes in the world. It’s where Australian soldiers fought during World War II, and today, people trek it to honour their courage and sacrifice while testing their own physical and mental strength.
For six months, every Tuesday night was spent training — learning about teamwork, resilience, and what it really means to push yourself. We also completed several practice hikes, which definitely gave us a taste of what was to come, but nothing could fully prepare us for the real Kokoda Track.
On the 20th of September, our group landed in Papua New Guinea and began the trek the next day. For nine days, we hiked through the jungle, finally finishing on the 29th. It’s hard to put into words just how challenging it was — both physically and mentally. The heat was intense, the humidity was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and the endless uphills and downhills tested every bit of endurance I had.
But alongside the challenges came some of the most rewarding experiences. Walking the same ground where Australian soldiers fought during World War II was incredibly moving. It reminded me of the values of courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice — qualities that still mean so much today.
I want to take a moment to say a few thank-yous. First, to the teachers and staff here at school who supported me from the start and nominated me for this opportunity — I’m so grateful. And a huge thank you to Andy and the team at Geelong Youth Engagement, who made this whole experience possible. The program doesn’t just get you fit — it teaches you resilience, teamwork, and how to keep going when things get tough.
Kokoda was honestly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most rewarding. I came back with muddy boots, sore legs, and a whole new perspective on what I’m capable of.
Thank you to everyone who helped me get there — and if you ever get the chance to do something that scares you or pushes you out of your comfort zone, take it. You never know what you’ll learn about yourself along the way.
