Thursday, 13 August 2026

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (10:08): I rise to congratulate Bendigo Senior Secondary College student Max Liddy on completing the Kokoda Trail as this year’s recipient of the Speechley Brothers Kokoda Scholarship. Max carried a special responsibility on this journey, walking in honour of two local soldiers, brothers George and Leslie Speechley, who both made the ultimate sacrifice in the Kokoda campaign in 1942. Leslie was just 20 years old and his brother George 24 when they were killed in action just one month apart. Max has honoured their memory and represented their family with great courage and respect. I acknowledge David and Jill Speechley for keeping the memory of George and Leslie alive and for supporting this important scholarship. I also thank the Bendigo District RSL for its generous support in funding the scholarship, helping give young people the opportunity to learn about our local wartime history firsthand. The Speechley Brothers Kokoda Scholarship ensures the next generation understands the extraordinary sacrifices made by local service men and women to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Congratulations, Max, on this remarkable achievement and on carrying the story of the Speechley brothers along the Kokoda Trail.