The Nationals leader and Member for Murray Plains did the famous walk in July and has described it as one of the most amazing experiences of his life.
Chaplain Liz Spicer said everyone is invited to attend and tickets to the fundraising dinner are by donation, but bookings are essential (see details below).
“There is no charge to join us for the dinner and Peter’s presentation, which I have seen and can assure you is worth watching, as they are also a thank you event for the many people who support us throughout the year,” Liz said.
“However, it is also our major annual fundraiser and there will be opportunities for you to donate so Ky P-12 can continue to keep a chaplain at the college.
“Peter has gone out of his way to add a touch of realism to the occasion, he is currently the walking wounded after injuring his Achilles tendon badly on the walk and it then ruptured soon after his return to Echuca and has needed surgery to repair it.”
Mr Walsh said Kokoda “proved to be, more than anything I expected, such an emotional experience even though it gives you just the very slightest comprehension, an incredibly tiny window, into what our soldiers had gone through, in far, far worse conditions”.
“But even that fraction of the true story gives you a much greater understanding, a much, much deeper respect, and an awareness I sincerely doubt you would ever have unless you walk the Kokoda yourself,” he said.
Liz said Mr Walsh’s presentation finished on a tragically poignant note when he visited the Bomana War Cemetery and the grave of Rochester’s Colin Sinclair, who died in the fighting on the trail.
“This brave soldier’s family has not been able to visit the site, but Peter left poppies there on their behalf and after returning home, met with Colin’s sister-in-law and nieces, who still live in Rochester,” she said.
“I cannot recommend enough that people take the time to join us for the dinner and hear Peter’s remarkable and moving story.”
To reserve your seat, or table, at the Kyabram P-12 Chaplaincy Dinner, in the Kyabram Bocce Club from 6.30pm, on Friday, call Sue on 0400 565 052 or email fabflowers@bigpond.com
If you are unable to attend but would like to support the vital chaplaincy work at Kyabram P-12, you can donate direct to: Kyabram Chaplaincy committee, BSB 633 000, account number 110 323 185.
