Milne Bay Challenge Success in Schools

“Don’t give in! Don’t give up!” was the motto of the day, and it resonated up and down the hills of Jubilee and Redwood Parks on the 12th March 2017.

500 competitors, over half from local schools, recently competed in the first Milne Bay Military Challenge. Competitors completed a 15 km or 30 km walk/run, up and down trails along Toowoomba’s range. This was to honour the spirit and courage of the 25th Battalion, serving in Milne Bay during the PNG campaign of World War II. The 25th Infantry Battalion was the “Darling Downs Regiment”, as it was headquartered in Toowoomba. Our soldiers marched to Spring Bluff on 17th March 1942, boarding a train that took them from family and friends and into a conflict that sadly, many never returned from. To remember them, students (and teachers/ parents) from Glenvale State School, St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School, Pittsworth State High, Clifton State High, Clifford Park Special School, Wilsonton State High School, Harristown State High School, St Mary’s College, Miles State High School, Wyreema State School and Pilton and Emu Creek State Schools, participated in the Challenge.

The Milne Bay Military Challenge lived up to its name, many struggling over the line both sore and tired, but so proud to say that they made it. What an achievement, something they will never forget! Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School were first finishers in the Primary School and Overall Schools 15km category (Brayd Smith Memorial Cup) with Clifton State High School winning the 25th Battalion Cup (30 km). The event raised much needed funds for local groups, including the Vanguard Laundry Project and the Milne Bay Military Museum. Special thanks go out to the main sponsors Hutchinson’s Builders and Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School and to the many volunteers from Toowoomba Rotary South.