SEYMOUR student, Felix Wallace-Muscovich, has returned home after successfully completing the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, as part of a scholarship program proudly supported by local businesses and Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland.
Felix Wallace-Muscovich a student at St Mary’s College, Seymour took on the challenging trek over the July school holidays, walking in the footsteps of Australian soldiers and visiting key World War II battle sites along the way.
The Year 11 student was selected for the Kokoda Trek Scholarship, valued at $6,500, with generous support from Brian Vial, Kilmore Racing Club, Seymour Racing Club, and the Seymour Club.
As part of the journey, Felix paid his respects at war cemeteries and visited the graves of soldiers from his own community.
Ms Cleeland said she was proud to support an initiative that connects young people with the powerful legacy of Kokoda.
“This trek is not just a physical challenge, it’s a deeply personal journey that teaches the values of courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Felix has returned home with a new appreciation for the sacrifices made by our local servicemen, and I have no doubt this experience will stay with him for life.”
Felix said that walking Kokoda was a borderline spiritual experience.
“It’s pretty eye opening to have walked in the steps of all those great people who were there before me,” he said.
“Walking the Track helped him to appreciate how much alike to his generation those soldiers were, saying that they were extraordinary men but they were also sons, husbands and brothers.
“Foremost, they were people and I think we should always remember them as such, deserving of our deepest respect and compassion,” he said.
The students on the trek were each given a soldier to remember, each of which died during the campaign.
“Mine was a lad named Wallie Croton, he was from Seymour like me, he was 23 when he died. I’d like to think we’d get along, but of course I can’t say that for certain, it’s impossible for me to know him,” Felix said.
Ms Cleeland said she was committed to continuing the scholarship into the future.
“Supporting this program is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. I look forward to helping more young people from our region take part in this extraordinary journey in the years ahead,” she said.
“I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the local sponsors whose generosity made this possible, this kind of community support is what makes our region so special.”
