The two local recipients of a Kokoda trek scholarship arranged by The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, have safely returned home after successfully completing their journey.
St Mary’s College student Chloe Butterworth (recipient of the Kilmore Racing May Semple Kokoda Scholarship) and Euroa Secondary College student Amber McNally (Jack Dawson Kokoda Memorial Scholarship) completed the trek and were back on Australian soil this week.
As part of their journey, the students trekked the Kokoda Trail, including all the major battle sites, with a focus on those from their communities.
At the completion of the Trail, they also visited the Bomana War Cemetery and the graves of individuals from the Euroa region.
The two Year Eleven students were able to take part in the trek after receiving a scholarship of $6500, with sponsorship provided by the Kilmore Racing Club, Shearer Constructions, The Seymour Club, Seymour Football Netball Club, Seymour Toyota and Ms Cleeland.
Ms Cleeland said she was proud to have supported an initiative that provided local students with an in-depth understanding of the sacrifice made by soldiers during the Second World War.
“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,” Ms Cleeland 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.”
Chloe Butterworth comments: “I think Kokoda was a really challenging experience, but it felt so rewarding once completed. 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. 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 McNally comments: “I applied for this 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 Two, and also for the mental challenge the track had to bring. 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.
