East Pilbara Race Club lends a hand to teens on Kokoda Track quest

The East Pilbara Race Club has lent a hand to the eight Newman teens seeking to take on the Kokoda Trail by helping them collect funds for the adventure at the Newman Cup. The YMCA WA-run expedition will send 20 young people from across the State on a leadership development hike through the famous Papua New Guinean trail. In an effort to support the trip, the Race Club used collection tins to raise funds from patrons for the eight teens who are heading to the track. Club president Courtney Andrews said it was great to support what was shaping up to be a life-altering adventure for the participants from Newman. “I think it is a fantastic idea, to be able to assist in sending a group of local youths on such an amazing leadership program can be life-changing for these kids,” she said. “The group have participated in an intensive preparation program and are really looking forward to October. “The funds raised will go towards travel and equipment for the group.” The trek will begin in early October and all 20 teens have participated in training workshops in the lead-up to the trip. A total contribution of $1729 was raised between the East Pilbara Race Club and Racing and Wagering Western Australia. RWWA chief executive said the effort by the East Pilbara Race Club showed the important role race club’s played in regional communities. “Race clubs around WA play an important role in their communities – both economically and socially – with partnerships like this a prime example of the strong connection race clubs have with their communities,” he said.