The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has joined scholarship recipients, Hannah Saunders and Rhiannon Jack, in successfully completing the Kokoda Trail, marking the end of a profound journey honouring Australia’s wartime history and the enduring values of courage, mateship, endurance, and sacrifice.

The trio returned from Papua New Guinea this week after trekking the historic 138 kilometre Kokoda Trail, as part of the Farnsworth Lochhead Lowe Scholarship – an initiative auspiced by the Mildura RSL Sub-Branch and proudly supported by Ms Benham, the Mildura Gateway Tavern, Sunraysia Petroleum and Wentworth Military Museum.

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. It holds special significance for scholarship winner, Rhiannon Jack, who is the great granddaughter of Warrant Officer Lochhead.

Rhiannon was privileged to be the first member of her family to visit her great grandfather’s final resting place and pay tribute to his remarkable service.

“It was deeply meaningful to pay tribute to someone who gave so much,” Rhiannon said. “I felt proud to stand there and honour his memory on behalf of my family.”

Ms Benham said the experience was both physically and emotionally demanding but deeply rewarding.

Challenging

“This was one of the most challenging and moving experiences of my life,” Ms Benham said. “To complete the trek alongside Hannah and Rhiannon, and to honour the memory of our fallen soldiers from Sunraysia, was incredibly powerful. These young women displayed remarkable resilience, teamwork, and a deep respect for the significance of Kokoda.”

Hannah and Rhiannon were selected for their outstanding community involvement and strong connection to the values embodied by the Kokoda Trail.

“Walking the Kokoda Trail challenged me in every way,” Hannah said.

“It taught me so much about resilience, leadership, and the strength that comes from supporting others.”

Ms Benham praised both students for representing the region with pride and integrity.

“They have made our community proud,” she said. “This experience has shaped them in ways that will last a lifetime.”

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 5 August 2025.