Senior Secondary

Zeph's RSL Reflection on his Kokoda Scholarship

On Sunday 25 August, Zeph (Year 12) returned to the RSL to share a reflection on how the Selman-Cowey Kokoda Scholarship had impacted him. He talked about his experience of going on the hike and was able to thank those from the RSL that made this once in a lifetime opportunity happen for him. Zeph is pictured next to the winner of the 2025 scholarship and Aaron Violi MP. Zeph did an outstanding job in delivering his speech which was very well received by the RSL members. Below is the script from the interview style speech that he gave:

What made you decide to apply in the first place?

The reason I applied was because I have always loved learning about history and I have always wanted to travel. I have always loved pushing myself and doing exercise. I expected this to be a challenge, so I decided I would try to give the application a shot.

Describe the preparation for the trip?

For this trip, I had to get a lot of hiking gear. So I got a backpack, some boots, an air mattress. There were other logistical preparations that had to be done, such as visa’s and aeroplane tickets. Throughout the preparation, we also had to do some practice hikes to prepare for the physical side of the track. Although we did many ourselves, there were also a few hikes every now and then that Getaway Trekking held to help prepare us. 

Describe the challenges you faced on the trip?

Some of the most difficult challenges on the trip were on day 3, 4 and 6. These days held the Maguli range. This place had 9 false peaks and had some very difficult hills. Next was The Wall, this was one of the steepest parts of the track. And we also had to trek up Mount Bellamy, which was steep and long. 

Describe what you learnt to appreciate about the soldiers in WWII who served on the Kokoda Track during the war.

The Japanese were going through PNG to get to Australia, so the Australians took to the track to push the Japanese back during this. The Papua New Guineans or Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were helping out the Australians by treating the injured and taking supplies up and down the track. On the track we got to learn about the importance of several areas across the track in which battles were fought. After the Australians got to Kokoda they were pushed back to Imita Ridge, but after being pushed so far back the Australians began an advance and that was the start of the Japanese advance to the rear. Then the Australians just kept going through all the hardships. 

Can you share some of the highlights of the trek?

Highlights are hard to think of because of how amazing the track already was on its own, but I think one would be: On day 5 of the trek, we made it to Brigade Hill also known as Butcher’s Hill. This is the place where 87 Australians were killed. We held our own memorial service, reading poems and stories about the hill.

Who would you like to thank?

There were many people that helped me with this scholarship and experience. Some of those were the RSL for holding the scholarship for students like me. Getaway Trekking for partnering with the scholarship and taking me through the track; The boys, or the people from PNG, who guided us through the track, and who also carried some of our gear. Some specific names of people that really helped me prior to and during the track are Deb Manders, Adam Manders and Sheree Kemp. As well as all the people that did the trek with me. Thank you!