Taking on the Challenge: The BDC Journey to the Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge
By Christabel Martin
For the fourth year running, Bishop Druitt College (BDC) is proud to be participating in the Kokoda Challenge—one of Australia’s most iconic team endurance events. In 2026, our students are embracing new opportunities by taking on the Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge, with a twilight start that may see head torches lighting the way.
This exciting experience reflects BDC’s commitment to providing meaningful middle school opportunities that build resilience, teamwork, and personal growth beyond the classroom.
More Than Just a Hike: The Kaizen Spirit at BDC
At Bishop Druitt College, our Kaizen program plays a vital role in preparing students for challenges like Kokoda. Students in Years 6–8 have been using their Kaizen classes to build both physical endurance and mental strength—key pillars of our middle school philosophy.
These sessions go beyond fitness. Students explore the “Spirit of Kokoda,” learning about the 1942 Kokoda Campaign and reflecting on the values of courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice demonstrated by Australian soldiers.
Our Year 9 and 10 students are also embracing these opportunities, training during weekend hikes and preparing next term through targeted hill sessions in sport. This whole-school approach highlights how BDC creates progressive learning opportunities from middle school through to senior years.
Training Highlights: Building Resilience and Teamwork
Our most recent training session brought students together at the jetty for a four-hour endurance hike. Covering distances between 16km and 23km, students tested both their gear and their determination under the morning sun.
What stood out most was the way students supported one another—an embodiment of the BDC values and the Kaizen mindset of continuous improvement. These experiences are a powerful example of how Bishop Druitt College fosters character development through real-world challenges.
Our 2026 Kokoda Teams
We are incredibly proud of the 11 teams representing Bishop Druitt College in the 2026 Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge. Each team reflects the strength of our middle school and senior school opportunities, with students stepping up to challenge themselves and support one another.
Supporting Our Students: Building Opportunities Together
There are many ways our BDC community can support these incredible students:
Grandparents Day (This Thursday)
Join us on campus for a BBQ—grab a sausage and a drink, with all proceeds going directly to our Kokoda teams.
Online Donations
Support a specific team by contributing to their fundraising goals via the links above.
Creating Opportunities That Last a Lifetime
At Bishop Druitt College, experiences like the Kokoda Challenge are more than events—they are transformative learning opportunities. Through our Kaizen program and strong middle school framework, students develop resilience, leadership, and a deep sense of community.
We are incredibly proud of our hikers and look forward to cheering them across the finish line on the Gold Coast.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Bishop Druitt College and the opportunities we create for every student.
Christabel Martin
Director of Learning & Teaching Primary
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.