State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is calling on Year 11 students region-wide to apply for the second annual Kokoda Scholarship, a program steeped in historical significance.
Worth over $6500, this scholarship enables Year 11 students to trek the Kokoda Trail, honouring local heroes from the 39th and 2/14th Battalions who fought there.
The scholarship was presented for the first time in 2024, providing Euroa Secondary College student Amber McNally and St Mary’s College Seymour student Chloe Butterworth with the opportunity to successfully complete the trek.
Ms Cleeland expressed immense pride in continuing this initiative, stating her excitement at offering this transformative opportunity to another cohort of local students.
“This scholarship is something I am so privileged to be a part of,” she said.
“Trekking the Kokoda Trail is a life-changing experience, and I am so grateful that we are able to support incredible young people in our community with the necessary funding to participate.
“We are hoping to encourage young people to research and understand the sacrifice made by so many ordinary people during wartime, including residents from our local communities.
“While on the trek, students will have the opportunity to learn, visit iconic sites from the war, and pay respects at the graves of locals who gave their life during the war.
“With applications now open for those interested in doing the trek next year, I encourage every year 11 student across our region to apply.”
Last year’s recipient Chloe Butterworth said after the experience she personally felt more resilient.
“I know that if I just keep pushing and chipping away at things, I can overcome anything,” she said.
Fellow recipient, Amber McNally, said her favourite part of the trip was learning about all the history that happened on the Kokoda Trail during World War II, and carrying the Papua New Guinea flag across the trail with her from start to finish.
To apply, students must submit an online form, a 400-word essay, and a parent-signed permission slip to annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au
The scholarship is currently available for Year 11 students from any school within the Euroa electorate, provided the student lives within the electorate too.
Applications are open until Monday, November 25.
More information can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/AC_Kokoda_Scholarship or by contacting Ms Cleeland’s office on 5762 1600.