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Freemasons donate $10k to Benalla P-12 students’ Kokoda trek

By Contributed

May 6, 2024

Generous: Marangan Lodge worshipful master Rowan McEwan, secretary Ray Schintler, Benalla P-12 teacher Tegan Vogel, principal Kylie Cotter, teacher Eliza Walker and participating students. Photo by Contributed

This year, four Benalla students will embark on the Kokoda Trek in Papua New Guinea.

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From June 28 to July 8, these students will be following the footsteps of the Australian soldiers who bravely fought in the jungle for four months in 1942.

These soldiers demonstrated courage, bravery, mateship and sacrifice.

To prepare for the 96km trek, students and staff have taken part in a rigorous training regime consisting of strenuous weight training, endurance training and long hikes.

They hope to learn as much as they can about the Australian soldiers who died in battle and learn about their story in order to keep their memory alive.

During Benalla P-12 College’s recent Anzac assembly, Marangan Lodge generously donated $10,100 to the school’s Kokoda Trek program.

A spokesperson from Benalla P-12 College said it would like to formally thank Marangan Lodge and the Freemasons Foundation for the donation.

“This generous donation is an example of how the incredible Benalla community comes together to support our students,” the spokesperson said.

A Marangan Lodge spokesperson said it would like to acknowledge the Freemasons Foundation for an $8000 contribution to the donation.

“And thank you to one of our members who donated an extra $100 for the students,” the spokesperson said.