'Our Kids, Our Future'
Matthews Steer Accountants and Advisors was proud to support the ‘Our Kids, Our Future’ fundraising breakfast for the eleventh annual Kokoda Project.
Held in conjunction with Victoria Police, breakfast proceedings opened with traditional dancing and singing by four of the Kokoda trail Porters.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Graham Ashton AM, was the keynote speaker. He reflected on the last 10 years of the project and the complexity behind the causal effects of youth disengagement. Noting the huge change in those who have previously participated in the program, he stated that the Kokoda Project “is a program that delivers leadership back into the community”.
Suaad Ahmen completed the Kokoda Project in 2007 as a Mount Alexander College student. Interviewed onstage, Suaad reinforced that the Kokoda Project is a great community initiative that really does make a difference. “I knew what I wanted to do in my life. Kokoda gave me the motivation to follow through”.
Matthews Steer Accountants and Advisors, has been involved with the Kokoda Project since 2008 and many staff have completed the trek with Victoria Police, local youth and other corporate sponsors.
Managing Partner Ken Matthews has walked the Kokoda trail twice. He places significant value on the program and its benefits to youth participants and the firm. “It was the desire to help these kids and make a difference which motivated me first”, said Ken. “What we have been given in return is a clear focus on strategy and simplicity which I have engrained in our business and we are now taking to our clients”.
Being involved with the Kokoda Project has altered the cultural ethos at Matthews Steer Accountants and Advisors, with the determination and commitment needed to walk the track evident in our team's everyday interactions. The Kokoda Project is a worthwhile venture and Matthews Steer’s continued support of this event is testament to our ongoing commitment to local people and the wider community.
To learn more about The Kokoda Project, or to make a donation, please contact Liz Matthews at Matthews Steer Accountant and Advisors on (03) 9325 6300.