Students win Kokoda opportunity

Students from the Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy Campus have been invited on a 10-day Kokoda Track Expedition.

The expedition is a reward to the school for its participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award program and will allow 15 students to travel to New Guinea to tackle the Kokoda Track.

According to Duke of Edinburgh co-ordinators, Mr Jon Cobham and Mr George Ruzek, who will accompany the students, the expedition represents the opportunity of a lifetime.

Participants taking part in this challenge include Zac South, Hayden Crowson, Brent Valentine, Mat Fisk, Jack O'Connell, Ebony Milgate, Jessica Lent, Lachlan Mottlee, Max Zappavigna, Bradley Beever, Sala Harrington and Danielle Witchard.

"Although the trip is awarded through the Duke of Edinburgh program and sponsored, there is still a high cost for the participants to meet in hiking gear, medical clearances and vaccinations, with each student needing to contribute up to $1600 to be able to take advantage of the award," Mr Cobram said.

"Fundraising events are underway and donations have been sought from the community and community organisations," he added.

Bendigo Bank branch manager Mr Peter McKeon said the bank had contributed $1000 to assist the participants through its community bank at Ettalong.

"The Duke of Edinburgh program is nationally recognised in developing our youth and providing leadership and life skills that can be built upon and then used to apply to life situations as well in teaching others.

"We are pleased to be able to assist our local students achieve this tremendous opportunity, and we encourage other local businesses to support them as well," Mr McKeon said.

Media release, 7 Jul 2016

Jon Cobram, BWSC Woy Woy