Lucia Bernhardt

Fuel the Flavor with Zesty Besties!

We are the Zesty Besties, and this year we are taking on the 30km Kokoda Challenge — a physically demanding and emotionally meaningful endurance event that pushes participants to their absolute limits. This challenge is not just about covering distance; it’s about pushing through steep inclines, muddy trails, and unpredictable bushland terrain, all while working together as a team. The Kokoda Challenge is designed to reflect the conditions faced by Australian soldiers who fought in the Kokoda Campaign of World War II. Their bravery, perseverance, and unity under extreme adversity are values that continue to inspire Australians today, and they are the values we’re aiming to embody every step of the way.

For us, this challenge is about more than just finishing a course. We’re walking with purpose, driven by the goal of raising funds for disadvantaged and at-risk young Australians through the Kokoda Youth Foundation. All across the country, there are young people growing up in environments that make it incredibly difficult to stay on track. They may face poverty, unstable home lives, family breakdowns, mental health struggles, or lack of access to positive role models. These circumstances can leave them feeling like they don’t belong or like their future is out of reach. That’s where the Kokoda Youth Foundation steps in, offering programs that empower these kids to believe in themselves and find the strength to overcome life’s challenges.

The funds we raise go directly into life-changing youth development programs like the Kokoda Youth Leadership Program. Through this initiative and others, young people are given access to structured mentoring, physical training, emotional support, team-building activities, and educational resources. They are guided by caring mentors who help them discover their self-worth and potential. In many cases, these programs provide the first real opportunity for a young person to develop confidence, resilience, discipline, and leadership skills — qualities that are not only valuable, but essential in navigating the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. Some participants even go on to trek the original Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gives them a new sense of pride and perspective.

Every dollar donated helps remove barriers and build pathways to success for young Australians. Your support helps cover the cost of training equipment, transportation, meals, hiking gear, mentor support, and program resources — all the behind-the-scenes elements that make these programs possible. When you donate, you are directly helping to shape the future of a young person who may have otherwise been overlooked or left behind. You are giving them the tools to thrive, to lead, and to break cycles of disadvantage that can last for generations.

We are committing ourselves to this 30km journey with full hearts and determined minds, knowing that the pain, sweat, and effort we’ll experience on the trail is nothing compared to the challenges many of these young people face every day. We believe in a future where all kids, no matter their background, are given a fair go — and the chance to realise just how capable, strong, and valuable they are. That’s why we’re asking for your help.

Please consider making a donation. Whether it’s a small or large amount, your contribution matters. It’s more than just financial support — it’s a vote of confidence in young people who need someone to believe in them. Join us on this mission. Support our team. And together, let’s help change lives, one step at a time.