Three local students have returned from a life changing challenge of trekking the infamous Kokoda Track which runs 96kms overland through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. Charli Wright and Makiah McCallum from Cathedral College and Oskar English from Galen Catholic College were selected for 2025 Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship which saw them embark on a nine-day trek across challenging terrain. They journeyed from Owers' Corner in Central Province, 50 kilometres east of Port Moresby, across rugged and isolated terrain which is only passable on foot, to the village of Kokoda in Oro Province. Cathedral College student Makiah McCallum said the trek was a "life changing experience". “I honestly don't think I'll ever be able to properly explain it,” she said. "The whole thing changed me completely, the person I was before the trek to the one after is so different. "I think my highlight was my personal development, my confidence in my capabilities has grown." The 16-year-old said the perspective she gained was "insane". "Experiencing a developing country exposed me to a very diverse way of living, it's virtually the complete opposite way of life from Australia in a sense of the standard of living," she said. "It was also a shock to realise we take so many things for granted, the locals there were so happy and generous. "Our trek leader told us a lot about the diggers and the history of the battles and how they used to climb up these mountains with amputated limbs and no experience and that kept me going. "I would 100 per cent encourage others to apply, even if they're just slightly thinking about it they should give themselves the opportunity." For 16-year-old Cathedral College student Charli Wright the trek was a mix of emotions and challenges. "Hearing the stories of those who had to complete the trek was the hardest part," she said. "There were definitely challenges over the nine days, I learnt a lot about myself and I've grown after pushing myself. "A highlight for me was connecting with the locals, the village kids were so sweet and the our porters nicest people in the world, they always made my day. "Seeing the way people live there has changed my perspective. "I came back a different person, it was life-changing." For 16-year-old Galen Catholic College student Oskar English the experience was "eye opening" "It was definitely the best experiences I've ever had," he said. "All of the different stories we heard along the way is something I'll definitely remember for the rest of my life. "Hearing the stories of the diggers and the local people was motivating, it kept me going knowing what they went through. "It was really confronting knowing some of them had to crawl or trek with injuries, if they were able to do that then I knew I had to be able to walk it. "It has really make me grateful of what we've got and how much they sacrificed just so we could have what we had today. "It hit me once I got back, I realised how lucky we are to have what we have today because of what they did for us." Wangaratta RSL Sub-branch president Ash Power, AO, CSC Lieutenant General (Retd) said, the Wangaratta RSL has a long-standing tradition of honouring the bravery and dedication of Australia's servicemen and women. "Among our many initiatives, is the Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship," he said. "The scholarship was established to commemorate the contributions of Bob Iskov, a member of the Wangaratta RSL, a Kokoda veteran and a dedicated community member. "Recipients of the Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship embark on a life-changing journey along the Kokoda Track. "This experience is not just a physical challenge but also an educational and emotional journey that deepens their understanding of the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during the war." Craig Iskov, son of local Kokoda veteran Bob Iskov said, as a child who grew up in a large family during the 1930s depression, his father Bob became passionate about young people taking chances and seizing opportunities. "Although he fought in many theatres of war from 1939 to 1945, his Kokoda Track experience shaped his drive later in life to challenge and encourage young people to 'have a crack at every opportunity that arises," he said. "He would be very proud of the wonderful young people who have represented our community through this scholarship." If any individual or business would like to support the Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship, contact the Wangaratta RSL at kokoda@wangarattarsl.org.au.
