Who’s Who in the Zoo David Paynter – Event & Volunteer Coordinator
Each edition we will introduce you to one of the members of the KCA team, this time it is our newly appointed Events & Volunteer Coordinator, David Paynter. David started with the KCA in late February, just in time to take on the Kokoda Grunt event management. Q: How did you get involved with the KCA? Doug wandered into Sporty’s Warehouse in 2005 where I was working and started to tell me about this idea he had for a team bushwalking event. As all of us know it is never a short conversation when Doug starts talking but by the end he had me sold and I was offering my time to volunteer and became the
first sponsor of the inaugural event. I enjoyed myself so much I came back the next year and have been involved with the KCA ever since. In 2009 I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be a leader with the Gold Coast KCYP and to learn firsthand how life-changing and effective our youth program is to those involved – myself included. We had an amazing journey through our months of training, walking the Kokoda Challenge and then our peak experience of walking the Kokoda track in PNG. A truly rewarding experience that I would recommend to anyone. I am now excited to take up the full time roll of Event and Volunteer Coordinator and to work closely with all our valuable volunteers. Having volunteered with the KCA for many years I understand what an integral role our Kokoda Family plays in making this Association the strength that it is. Q: Life outside KCA? I love spending as
much time outdoors as possible. This includes mountain biking, kayaking, bushwalking and the odd off road triathlon and adventure race thrown in to the mix. I also have a 13 year old daughter who seems very good at getting my wallet and I to take her shopping. Q: What inspires me? I am inspired by people who genuinely give their best at their chosen endeavour. They don’t have to be a champion, I am often more impressed by people who have the odds stacked against them and who rise above adversity and achieve success which then challenges me to do the same.
David centre, with hose at Kokoda Grunt mud crawl
National Youth Week
VALE - Tony Lynch We recently lost one of our long-time supporters. Tony was a great inspiration to all of us and he will be sadly missed. RIP
Page 2
The KCA was excited to be part of the National Youth Week event held at Pizzey Park in April, contributing by holding an obstacle run. It was amazing to see young people so enthusiastic to get involved and give the course a go. The smiles and sense of achievement from those who participated was fantastic and to witness the proud parents on the sideline topped it off. Thanks to the great team of volunteers who enjoyed the day working with the KCA team. It was awesome to see so many past Kokoda Kids come along to volunteer with running the event, full of energy and encouraging the “young obstacle racers”. A great day was had by all. Check out Facebook for more photos or video linkhttp://youtu.be/sp5oYYPXC5k