Year 11 Opportunity
The Sinclair Scholarships are now open to Year 11 students across the Murray Plains electorate, offering a rare opportunity to take part in a Kokoda Trail trek with Adventure Kokoda during the Term 2 school holidays (28 June to 9 July).
The scholarship connects students with the local history of Kokoda, including the story of Colin Sinclair (Rochester) who served with the 39th Battalion and died of wounds in December 1942, and his cousin Ronald Sinclair, who served in New Guinea during the campaign.
Successful applicants will be supported with local training and supervision, with major costs covered (including flights, accommodation, meals in PNG, insurance and a personal porter). Families should note there will still be some out-of-pocket costs, including items such as hiking boots, vaccinations, malaria medication, and optional transit insurance.
How to apply: Students must complete the questionnaire and submit a minimum 400-word essay addressing:
- What the Kokoda story means to Australia, and
A local connection to the Kokoda Trail.
Applications must be received by 5:00pm Friday 6 March 2026 at Peter Walsh MP, 496 High Street, Echuca, along with a parent permission note and full contact details.
Shortlisted students will be required to attend a 20-minute in-person interview on a set date.
For further details, families can refer to the flyer below or email. peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au.