Two district students have safely returned home after completing their journey along the Kokoda Trail.
Chloe Butterworth from St Mary’s College in Seymour and Amber McNally from Euroa Secondary College visited major battle sites, especially those significant to their communities.
After completing the trail, they visited the Bomana War Cemetery and the graves of soldiers from the Euroa region.
The Year 11 students each received a $6500 scholarship arranged by State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland to take part in the trek. Sponsors included Kilmore Racing Club, Shearer Constructions, The Seymour Club, Seymour Football Netball Club, Seymour Toyota and Ms Cleeland.
Chloe described Kokoda as a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience.
“Each day posed its own little challenge, whether it be trying to overcome all the mud or trying to hike uphill in 30-degree heat,” she said.
“Getting to camp each day felt like a little accomplishment.
“After this experience, I personally feel more resilient, and I know that if I just keep pushing and chipping away at things, I can overcome anything.
“I am so grateful towards the Kilmore Racing Club for funding my scholarship to a trip that I will never forget.”
Amber said she applied for the scholarship for two reasons.
“To follow in the footsteps of my great-great-uncle Ernest Keith McNally, who fought on the Kokoda Trail in World War II, and also for the mental challenge the track had to bring,” she said.
“My favourite part of the trip was learning about all the history that happened on the Kokoda Trail during the Second World War and carrying the Papua New Guinea flag across the trail with me from start to finish.”
Ms Cleeland said she was proud to have supported an initiative that provided district students with an in-depth understanding of the sacrifice made by soldiers during World War II.
“During the trek, Amber and Chloe were able to learn of the immense sacrifice made by our local war heroes, teaching them about the impact these people had towards protecting the lives and freedoms we relish today,” she said.
“I was incredibly proud to support this scholarship and I look forward to continuing this initiative in the years to come.
“I want to congratulate Chloe and Amber on their exceptional efforts. They were incredibly deserving recipients and I’m sure they had the trip of a lifetime.
“I also want to thank all of the sponsors who made this trip possible.”