By Kyra Gillespie
Last year’s Harold Bould Kokoda Award recipients will take on the challenge of their lives when they walk the Kokoda Track next month.
Izaiah Roch from St Francis Xavier Beaconsfield and Emily Bloxidge from Chairo Christian School in Pakenham are set to take on a fully sponsored, escorted trip to Kokoda and learn first-hand the hardships Australian soldiers endured while fighting in Papua New Guinea between 1942 and 1945.
The passionate winners, both in Year 11, were farewelled at an afternoon tea at Edward O’Donohue’s office on Thursday 14 June.
Emily and Izaiah described feeling a mixture of apprehension and excitement in the lead-up to the big adventure.
“I’m nervous and excited at the same time,” Emily said.
“I honestly don’t know what to expect – I don’t think we’ll fully understand what we’re in for until we get there.
“It will be so important to experience what those men went through so that we can educate the next generation.”
For Emily, this has been a challenge she’s wanted to conquer for 10 years.
“Ever since I was seven years old I’ve wanted to walk Kokoda, now I can finally tick it off the bucket list.
“I was in Scouts at a young age and it’s been my passion ever since.
“I want to get to Gallipoli one day.”
For 16-year-old Izaiah, this will be his first trip without his family by his side.
“I’m a bit nervous about not being in communication with my family. It’s the first trip by myself,” he said.
“But I’m so thankful for the opportunity to honour the fallen.
“They couldn’t have picked a better partner to have by my side.”
The duo will tackle 100km of arduous country from 4 July – 14 July alongside other trekkers.
They will be led by native guide Kila Jons and Pacific World War II historian David Howell.
Local veteran Jack Duffy fought along the Kokoda Track in the 39th Battalion during WWII.
He says the Harold Bould Award is important for preserving his memories and experiences.
“It’s important that the next generation remembers what we went through,” Mr Duffy said.
“It was really tough. The biggest part was surviving day by day.”
Edward O’Donohue described Emily and Izaiah as “worthy winners.”
“It’s a privilege to be part of these worthy winners’ journey,” he said.
“It’s a great program for young people to get involved with. Previous winners have gone on to lead the community – we’re looking at our future leaders.”
He said the awards were made possible by the generosity of organisations and individuals within the Cardinia community including the Cardinia Shire Council, Pakenham Racing Club, Pakenham and Kooweerup RSL Clubs, Rotary Clubs of Pakenham and Kooweerup/Lang Lang, Pakenham Branch of the Country Women’s Association, Michael Duff, Ted and Phyllis Bould and anonymous local benefactors.
To become a sponsor of this award, please contact Alan Jameson on 9587 5365 or Edward O’Donohue’s office on 5941 1112.
