The third annual Cowey Selman Kokoda Award was once again granted to an eager young person ready to take on the challenge of Papua New Guineas’ Kokoda Trail.
Katherine Hobson was awarded as this year’s recipient at a packed Lilydale RSL event in late August.
Inspired by her grandmother who served in World War II, Katherine said in her speech that it would be her she’d be thinking of as she treks the famous Trail, most likely next year.
Not only was she presented with the award and opportunity, Katherine was able to hear from last year’s recipient Zeph Kunst who ventured to the island nation in April.
“This is the best thing I have done in my life to date, I am truly appreciative of the opportunity and grateful for this scholarship,” he said.
Making the journey even more special, Zeph’s mum Karelle also departed for Papua New Guinea to trek alongside her son.
“I was also thrilled I got to go as well, to see what Zeph got to experience. I would have had no idea how amazing it was and the history lessons each day were incredible, I also felt it was a life saving experience we are so grateful,” she said.
Named after two local veterans, Jim Cowey and Geoff Selman, who served in the 39th Battalion in World War II, stopping the Japanese from reaching Port Moresby with the ultimate aim to enter Australia, the award aims to not only give students a trip of a lifetime but to encourage their learning and research of the Kokoda Campaign.
When the scholarship first launched, program chair Greg Green said the history and effort of Australia’s troops should be the basis of the application but a desire to understand the culture of our close neighbours was also essential.
“Enjoy your research. Just picture yourself in the position of these 17 and 18 year old kids walking across there to face the Japanese and see whether you think you could do it,” he told Star Mail in 2021.
Since then, the interest and applications for the scholarship have grown and so too does the community support.
There on the day of the presentation was Federal MP Aaron Violi, Mayor Sophie Todorov, two former mayors Maria McCarthy and Ray Yates, members of the Cowey and Selman families, military historian Anthony McAleer, RSL representatives from Lilydale, Mt Evelyn, Yarra Glen and Monbulk, also Getaway Travel, sponsors Wandin/Seville Community Bendigo Bank, Monbulk Bowling Club, Healesville and Upper Yarra RSLs, Passchendale Cafe, Mt Evelyn Community Bank and Chirnside Park Country Club.
If there are any year 10 students interested in being part of this scholarship please contact Bill Dobson; president@lilydalersl.com.au
Students apply in Year 10 and travel during Year 11.
