MPs lead students on journey of service and sacrifice

19 July 2024 More on the Kokoda journey

The trekkers stopped at Imita Ridge where Australian soldiers fought off Japanese forces during World War Two.
The trekkers stopped at Imita Ridge where Australian soldiers fought off Japanese forces during World War Two.

Twenty-five Victorian teenagers are embarking on the next chapter of their Kokoda journey, after trekking 138 kilometres through treacherous terrain in Papua New Guinea.

The secondary school students from across the state are keeping the legacy of the successful World War Two campaign alive, sharing heroic stories of the fallen with their local communities.

‘The significance of this trip is hard to put into words. It’s more of a pilgrimage than a trek.’

Gippsland East MP Tim Bull

Victorian MPs mentored and supported the youths from schools in East Gippsland, Baw Baw, Wangaratta, Euroa, Sale and Latrobe Valley as they traversed the trail together in July.

Students spent quality time with Papua New Guinea locals, sharing food, giving gifts and playing games.

‘They’ve come home with a different perspective on life and more aware of the service and sacrifice of people from their areas,’ Gippsland East MP Tim Bull said.

When asked what changes they were going to make to their lives upon returning to Australia, some of the students mentioned not complaining as much about food, using their mobile phone less and showing more respect for the people around them.

The experience hasn’t just enhanced the understanding and appreciation of Kokoda for students, but also for the Members of Parliament who completed the trek for the first time.

Morwell MP Martin Cameron, Hawthorn MP John Pesutto, Gippsland East MP Tim Bull & Eildon MP Cindy McLeish.

Morwell MP Martin Cameron said it was a gruelling nine days.

'It was by far one of the most difficult but most rewarding experiences of my life.'

Morwell MP Martin Cameron

‘I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to learn more about what our soldiers endured on this treacherous journey so that we can enjoy the freedoms and liberties we do today,’ he said.

Mr Cameron drew special inspiration from the courage and resilience of Kurnai College student Amelia van Vilet, who had a deeply personal reason for taking the journey.

Martin & Amelia lightened.jpg

‘Amelia and I visited the High Commission in Port Moresby to see the plaque that was placed in honour of her dad and 12 others who tragically died when their plane crashed near the Kokoda Track in 2009 - when Amelia was just one year-old,’ he said.

The students are now Kokoda ambassadors, speaking to local schools and community groups.

The students visited many significant locations including Brigade Hill, Bomana War Cemetery and Surgeon’s Rock.

This program, which partners young Victorians with MPs and veterans from across the state has been happening for more than a decade.

Each year students are awarded a scholarship funded by their local communities in honour of a war veteran from their area.

It’s expected to involve more MPs and students in 2025.

One of two groups of Victorian MPs and students at the Isurava Memorial after the dawn service in July 2024.