Kokoda Track Scholarships

Walk in Their Footsteps: Empower Wedderburn Youth and Honor the Kokoda Legacy

The Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL is calling on the community to help empower the youth of Wedderburn through a life-changing experience: walking the historic Kokoda Track. This isn't just a trek; it's a journey of personal growth, leadership development, and a profound connection to Australia's national heritage.

Wedderburn P-12 College students rarely have opportunities like this. The Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL is determined to change that. We’ve established an initiative to send two Year 11 students each year to undertake the challenging Kokoda Track, a trail that represents courage and resilience. For 2025, we have committed to send one student.

“This program is about more than just a history lesson,” says Roger Paterson, President of the Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL. “It’s about building character, fostering leadership, and providing young people with an experience that will shape their lives for the better. By walking in the footsteps of heroes, these students will learn about our past while forging their own futures. These two scholarships will be named separately. The first will be named  after Albert “Knocker” Hayes, an Inglewood soldier who actually was on the Kokoda Track. The second will be named after Norman “Digger” Letts, a well known Wedderburn resident who was held as a POW for many years.”

A Unique Opportunity for Transformation

The Kokoda Track presents a physical and mental challenge, pushing participants beyond their comfort zones and fostering resilience and self-confidence. This journey will also enhance the students’ understanding of service, sacrifice, and the importance of community.  Beyond the track, students will return as young ambassadors, sharing their insights with the community through presentations and engagement programs.  

Why We Need Your Help

The cost of this life-altering experience is $7,000 per student, covering airfare to Papua New Guinea, accommodation, professional guides, equipment, and safety provisions. The Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL has already committed to funding one student, but we need $14,000 annually to make this opportunity available to two students from the Wedderburn P-12 College. Students will be responsible for personal items.

Your Support Will:

*   Enable two deserving students each year to undertake the Kokoda Track.

*   Provide all necessary support, safety measures, and equipment for their journey.

*   Facilitate post-journey community engagement programs where the students share their experience and inspire others.

*   Help preserve and honour Australian service members who fought and died during war.

How You Can Help

The Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL is committed to making this program sustainable, pursuing Tax Deductible  (DGR) status and developing ongoing fundraising initiatives. We are transparent and dedicated to reporting on the program’s impact and progress. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference in the lives of these young Australians.

Join Us in Honouring the Past and Inspiring the Future

We invite individuals, businesses, and organisations to partner with us in this transformative project. Your support will not only impact the lives of Wedderburn youth but will also ensure that the legacy of Kokoda continues to inspire generations to come.

To learn more about the Kokoda Track Program and how you can contribute, please contact:

Ric Raftis

Secretary, Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL

admin@wedderburnrsl.org.au