Paul Vandenbergh

At our pre trek camp in April at Anglesea I honestly thought I wouldn’t make the trip to PNG in August due to severe back (sciatica) pain and questioned myself if I would become a burden for the group.

With the help from my partner and mentees I committed to a training program that consisted of a lot of hills and mountains, as well as changing my food habits.

3 months later …

I’m sitting on the plane returning to Australia, having smashed the Kokoda Track and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Jobs Australian, 1st Trekka Unit, my family and last but certainly not least Wayne, Gideon and all the porters from KOKODA SPIRIT!

I’m sitting on top of ‘Wayne’s World’ right now! I can do ANYTHING!

Sporting Background

4th Aboriginal person to play in the National Basketball League (NBL)
2000 – 2001 Canberra Cannons
1998 – 1999 Melbourne Tigers (development squad)
Played in leagues around the World including USA and Asia.

Currently

Manager of the Strategy Policy and Aboriginal Outcomes Unit of Housing S.A.
Established a foundation called Red Cockatoo to assist in building the next generation of Aboriginal Youth.

Black White Cockatoo Pty Ltd

This company was established in delivering Role Model and Mentoring Programs to Youth and teaching them a variety of things including: life skills, healthy eating, physical activities and the promotion of their culture.

Red Built Pty Ltd

Indigenous building company that will deliver housing and employment outcomes for Indigenous people and communities.

It will also provide training and mentoring for employees to become self empowered and confident to expand themselves and establish their own business and to make the most of their opportunities.

Jobs Australia Foundation

Recently appointed as a Board Member to the Jobs Australia Foundation