APPLICATIONS from local year 11 students are still being accepted for an opportunity to walk through the military history of Australia. The Kokoda Scholarship is in its second year and is an initiative of Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland. Ms Cleeland has extended the submission deadline to allow more year 11 students from across the region apply for the $6500 scholarship. The funding allows students to walk the Kokoda Track and follow in the footsteps of local war heroes from the 39th and 2/14th Battalions. Last year Euroa Secondary College student Amber McNally and St Mary’s College Seymour student Chloe Butterworth successfully completed the trek. Ms Cleeland said she was incredibly proud to support the initiative again in 2025. “This scholarship is something I am so privileged to be a part of,” Ms Cleeland said. “Trekking the Kokoda Track 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.” “With applications still open for those interested in doing the trek next year, I encourage every current year 11 student across our region to apply.” Last year’s recipient Chloe Butterworth said the trip allowed her to develop skills in resilience. “After this experience, I know that if I just keep pushing and chipping away at things, I can overcome anything,” Chloe said. Fellow recipient Amber McNally found the historical side to the trip rewarding. “My favourite part of the trip was learning about all the history that happened on the Kokoda Trail during the Second World War,” Amber said. “And carrying the Papua New Guinea flag across the trail with me from start to finish.” Applicants need to write an essay of at least 400 words and complete their application online. The scholarship is available for year 11 students from any school within the Euroa electorate, provided the student lives within the electorate too. Applications have been extended into the new year, with more information found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AC_Kokoda_Scholarship or by contacting Ms Cleeland’s office.
