After hearing from several strong applicants across the region, The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland has announced the recipients of her Kokoda Scholarship.
Felix Wallace-Muscovich of St Mary’s College in Seymour and Flynn Mosely of the Australian Christian College in Benalla have been selected as the recipients of the scholarship following an extensive interview process.
Valued at more than $6500, The Kokoda Scholarship provides funding for Year 11 students in the Euroa electorate to walk the Kokoda Track and follow in the footsteps of local war heroes from the 39th and 2/14th Battalions.
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 said she was incredibly proud to support the initiative again in 2025 and was thrilled to be able to offer the same opportunity to more local students.
“Through this scholarship, Felix and Flynn will have the opportunity to trek the Kokoda Trail this year and walk in the footsteps of our local veterans,” Ms Cleeland said.
“During the trek, they will 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.
“I want to congratulate Felix and Flynn on receiving this scholarship, they are incredibly deserving recipients and I’m sure they will have the trip of a lifetime.”
Ms Cleeland said there were several worthy applicants for the scholarship, and thanked all the sponsors and everyone involved in the interview process for assisting with the difficult decision.
“It was incredibly difficult limiting this opportunity to just two students as the quality of applicants were so high,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Kokoda Scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of Brian Viall, Kilmore Racing Club, Seymour Racing Club, and the Seymour Club – I’d like to thank them for their generous contribution and commitment to our nation’s history.
“Representatives from the community including Brian Viall from Benalla, Matt McLaughlin of the Seymour RSL, and The Hon. Tim Bull were all so generous with their time and ensured all nominees for the scholarship understood the importance of our military history.”
