Arthur Grassby Kokoda Scholarship

Earlier this year, Year 11 student Emalyn was selected to participate in the Arthur Grassby Kokoda Scholarship Program, an incredible opportunity that saw her travel to Papua New Guinea and complete the Kokoda Trail.

The Arthur Grassby Kokoda Scholarship provides young people with the chance to develop leadership, resilience and a deeper understanding of Australian history through one of the nation's most significant historical journeys. Walking the Kokoda Trail is both physically and mentally demanding, requiring determination, perseverance and teamwork, while also offering participants the opportunity to learn about the experiences of Australian soldiers and the people of Papua New Guinea.

We are incredibly proud of Emalyn's achievement and the way she represented herself, her family, our school and the East Gippsland community throughout the program.

Below, Emalyn reflects on her Kokoda experience in her own words.

Emalyn's Kokoda Reflection

Being selected for the Arthur Grassby Kokoda Scholarship to complete the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea was an honour and an opportunity I am extremely grateful to have received. This experience provided me with an opportunity to challenge myself physically and mentally, while developing an understanding of the history, culture and significance of the Kokoda Trail.

Completing the trail presented many challenges, including difficult conditions through steep mountains, heat and long early days of hiking. These challenges required resilience, determination and pushing beyond what I thought were my limits.

Some of the most meaningful moments were visiting significant battle sites and hiking on the same ground where Australian soldiers fought and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels guided and evacuated casualties across terrain that the Australian soldiers could not navigate alone. Carrying a photograph of an East Gippsland soldier made the history feel more personal and reminded me that behind every name is a person with family and friends.

I also gained a greater appreciation for the culture and communities of Papua New Guinea, particularly those living along the Kokoda Trail.

Completing Kokoda is an achievement I am very proud of, and the lessons I gained will continue to influence me in future challenges and opportunities.

I would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank the scholarship program, organisers, sponsors, my family and everyone involved in making this experience possible. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity and the lasting memories, knowledge and personal growth that I will take forward from this experience.