Fully-funded Kokoda trek moves a step closer

THE 39th Australian Infantry Battalion is $1400 closer to offering a fully-paid trip to the Kokoda Track as first prize of a literary competition.
All seven Cardinia Shire councillors have pledged $200 from each of their ward funds accounts to assist with the costs of the trip.
The 39th battalion last year started the Harry Bould Memorial Award, an essay competition named in honour of a resident of Cardinia who was killed in action on the trail.
Mr Bould was one of five brothers who went to war. He died in Kokoda Village eight days after Japanese soldiers landed in New Guinea on its north shore.
Mr Bould’s death is dated as 29 July 1942 on his Australian Army record, although his remains were never found.
Year 10 students from across the Cardinia Shire submitted essays for last year’s award, with Pakenham Secondary College student Cameron Perrins named the winner.