The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has congratulated scholarship recipients Asher Brigante and Courtney Jack on successfully completing the Kokoda Trail.
The secondary school students recently returned from Papua New Guinea after trekking the historic 138-kilometre Kokoda Trail alongside Luke Benham as part of the Farnsworth Lochhead Lowe Scholarship, an initiative funded and auspiced by the Mildura RSL Sub-Branch and proudly supported by Ms Benham.
The scholarship is named in honour of local soldiers Private Raymond Farnsworth, Warrant Officer John Lochhead and Lance Corporal Edward Lowe, who each made the ultimate sacrifice.
Ms Benham congratulated both students on completing one of Australia’s most significant commemorative treks.
“Completing the Kokoda Trail is an extraordinary achievement that demands resilience, determination and teamwork.
“Asher and Courtney embraced every challenge with maturity and respect while gaining a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who served our nation.
“They have represented themselves, their families and our community with pride, and I congratulate them both on completing this remarkable journey. The lessons they have learnt and the friendships they have formed will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
Luke Benham, husband of Ms Benham, said it was a privilege to walk alongside the scholarship recipients throughout the trek.
“Kokoda tests you physically and mentally, but it also gives you a profound appreciation of the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us.
“Asher and Courtney supported one another every step of the way and approached the experience with humility, resilience and a genuine desire to learn. They should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”
