Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship - Wangaratta RSL

03/09/2026

Looking back on their Adventure Kokoda journey: 🇵🇬🌴🥾

The annual panel night is always a highlight of the Wangaratta RSL calendar, bringing our community together to hear from our scholarship recipients as they reflect on their Kokoda experience.

A huge thank you to our local members Tim McCurdy MP and Helen Haines MP, and to our partner schools and their principals Cathedral College Wangaratta, Galen Catholic College and Wangaratta High School for joining us and for their ongoing support of this important opportunity for our young people in the Rural City of Wangaratta.

We are incredibly grateful to our major sponsors NIOA, Lions Club of Wangaratta, and Freemasons Foundation Victoria. Their generous support means the scholarship program can continue to thrive each year.

And finally, thank you to the local individuals, families and small businesses who contributed in so many different ways to support Angela, Beth, Cooper and Fern. Whether it was helping them train, printing team shirts, or coming out to hear them speak, the village surrounding our young people is every bit as impressive as these young people themselves.

01/09/2026

Great event last night at Wangaratta RSL 2/24 Battalion function room. We thanked our sponsors then had a panel discussion from our amazing Kokoda scholarship winners about their experience. Wonderful reflections on the impact of challenge, history and culture on Cooper, Beth, Fern and Angela.

14/08/2026

Thanks to Wangaratta Lions Club for their support to the Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship. Lions President Jo Howell hosted us last night as members heard the personal stories of challenge and achievement of their recent Kokoda trek from Beth and Fern. Another great job by our amazing scholarship winners.

14/08/2026

Great work from Angela and Cooper sharing stories of their recent Kokoda trek with Neil Barrassi and listeners of OAK FM.

09/08/2026

As our four 2026 Kokoda trekkers gear up for some reflective events, we'll share a little of their Kokoda journey with their soldier's memory. Cooper carried the story of this soldier.

Francis John “Jack” Noonan (Pte 2/14th Battalion), of Deniliquin and Tongala. Died of illness October 13, 1942 at the Australian General Hospital Port Moresby, aged 23. Buried at Bomana, Grave B1.B.21.

Jack was born in Deniliquin and later moved to Tongala. He enlisted on April 29, 1941, and left for the Middle East in June, where he served in the 21st infantry brigade. On returning home he joined the 2/14th Battalion in May 1942, and was sent to New Guinea. He was involved in the battle of Isurava and reported missing on August 30, rejoining the unit on September 9. He became ill with severe dysentery and liver failure, probably from his time surviving in the jungle, and was evacuated to the Australian General Hospital at Koitaki. Jack's condition deteriorated and he died on October 13.
We Will Remember Them

18/07/2026

A thoughtful recap from Fern, and a great reminder for current year 10 students to keep an eye out for next year’s applications.

15/07/2026

Beautiful reflection Ange

09/07/2026

It’s now official 🏆

A lively night at the hotel last night as our two 2026 Adventure Kokoda Scholarship groups celebrated completing the Kokoda Trail.

After receiving their certificates everyone enjoyed a buffet dinner together.

09/07/2026

They are back in Australia, and due into Melbourne tonight 🥇

Our 2026 Kokoda Scholarship groups have safely returned to Australia after completing their Kokoda Trail journey.