Local MP, Tim Bull, recently visited the Lakes Entrance Secondary College to talk with year 11 students about the Kokoda Trail.
He encouraged students to consider applying for the Arthur Grassby Scholarship which provides funding to send East Gippsland year 11 students to walk the Kokoda Trail, in the footsteps of the 39th and 2/14th Battalions. The 39th’s local connection is particularly strong with over 70 confirmed members from Gippsland, with more to be identified with research.
Every school in Gippsland is encouraged to apply, however Mr
Bull is hopeful Lakes Entrance students do so as there has only ever been one application from the school.
He spoke to the students about how life changing the experience is, even if they are unsure at first. Tim chaperones the tour each year and could not emphasise enough the benefits, challenges, fellowship, resilience and achievement the students get out of the trek.
“After applying the students are interviewed by an independent panel of three, which does not include me,” he said.
LESC principal Jacob Shingles encouraged all students to consider this opportunity and thanked Tim for his informative presentation.
