A local Year 11 student will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of our wartime heroes, with applications now open for the 2026 Speechley Brothers Kokoda Scholarship.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad announced applications for the $8000 scholarship are now being accepted and will close on Friday, March 20.
The scholarship provides funding for a Year 11 student to walk the Kokoda Trail in the June/July school holidays, retracing the path of local soldiers who served during World War II.
“This is the first time the scholarship has been offered in Bendigo, and it’s a unique opportunity,” Ms Broad said.
The Speechley Brothers Kokoda Scholarship will honour George and Les Speechley. The brothers were from Ironbark and both saw combat on the Kokoda trail. While serving in different platoons, both brothers were killed in action in 1942, only a month apart. George was 24 and Leslie just 20 years old.
“This program is about ensuring the next generation understands the immense sacrifices made by our local war heroes so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today,” Ms Broad said.
“The Kokoda campaign is a defining chapter in Australia’s history, and this scholarship gives young people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience that history firsthand.”
The initiative is supported by a locally established committee, including the Bendigo District RSL and generous sponsors, who have come together to support the project and make the trek possible.
During the journey, students walk the full Kokoda Trail, visiting all major battle sites with a particular focus on those connected to their own communities. The program also includes a visit to the Bomana War Cemetery, where students pay their respects at the graves of fallen soldiers.
Students receive further historical insight through a briefing on the Northern Beaches campaign, which followed the Kokoda campaign and involved the United States Army, and visit the graves of those who lost their lives during that campaign.
On their return, participants become Kokoda Ambassadors, sharing their experiences and learnings by speaking at local service clubs, community groups, RSLs and commemoration ceremonies across the region.
For further information please contact Ms Broad’s office at gaelle.broad@parliament.vic.gov.au or call 1300 423 553.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
