Applications for the Arthur Grassby Kokoda Scholarship are now open to year 11 students residing in East Gippsland Shire.
This year’s trip will be from July 5-15 and it is anticipated 7-8 students will be selected from the region to walk in the footsteps of soldiers from East Gippsland.
The scholarship involves each student being allocated a soldier from their local area and carrying their photograph while walking in their footsteps on the eight-day 138-kilometre trek.
Following completion, the students then visit Bomana War Cemetery where they visit the graves of the fallen, including “their” soldier and make a commitment to them about how they will live the rest of their lives.
Grassby Scholarship committee member Gary Gaffney said it is a powerful experience for the students as in some cases the soldiers they carry and then visit the graves of, are a similar age as the students and in some cases, younger.
“It builds resilience as the trek is so demanding, but it also gives them a great insight into the sacrifices made by men from our community so they have enjoy the lives they have today.
“The added bonus is they walk through some of the best jungle scenery in the world and see first-hand the village life.
“Successful applicants need a good level of fitness and must commit to the 10 week training program in the lead up,” he said.
Those who wish to apply for the scholarships have until Friday, March 7, and the application involves an essay of not less than 400 words on what the Kokoda story means to Australia, accompanied by a questionnaire response and parental permission slip.
Applicants are then shortlisted for interviews with ex or current service defence force personnel who make the final decisions.
Mr Gaffney said all the application details and forms have been provided to every secondary school in East Gippsland and applications are to be dropped off to the office of local MP, Tim Bull by the closure date.
“Whether students are successful or not, we think the application and interview process is worthwhile undertaking on its own. It’s about educating our next generation,” he said.
