Nominations open for 2016 Premier’s Anzac Prize

Years 8 to 11 students across Queensland are able to nominate for the 2016 Premier’s Anzac Prize, with student applications due by Friday 30 October, 2015.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk encouraged Year 8 to 11 students from across the state to apply for the educational experience.

“Of course students who are successful in their nomination benefit but the whole community benefits when are young people have such in-depth experiences based on the Anzac tradition,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Prize winners will have the chance to tour the Western Front, attend the Gallipoli Dawn Service and visit a range of other historic locations in 2016.

“All participants will honour the Anzac tradition in a personal and memorable way.

“That will be a particularly special opportunity as we continue the Premier’s Anzac Prize to commemorate the centenary celebrations of World War I through to the end of 2018.

“The 2016 Premier’s Anzac Prize will be awarded to eight winning students and two teacher chaperones will also be selected to go on tour.”

Education Minister Kate Jones said students were required to produce a five-minute multimedia presentation about how the Anzac tradition has shaped Australia, why it is still important and how future generations can keep the tradition alive as part of the application process.

Ms Jones said the 2015 Premier’s Anzac Prize tour was a great success, with 70 student winners demonstrating their understanding of the Anzac tradition.

“They are doing this through their competition entries and conduct overseas, and by the way they are now applying their experiences,” she said.

In April this year, Brisbane State High School student Raphael Wixted, who was just one of the 2015 Premier’s Anzac Prize winners, remembered his great grandfather’s service at Villers-Bretonneux.

“Being involved with the Premier's Anzac Prize was an invaluable experience which will stay with me for life,” he said.

“I learned about the sacrifices made by those who fought for Australia in all wars; especially the first World War.

“I’ve since spread the message about the Anzac tradition by discussing my journey with fellow school students as well as members of my local scout group,” Raphael said.

Minister Jones thanked Queenslanders for perpetuating the Anzac tradition and educating future generations in many ways, particularly during these years of commemoration.

Expressions of interest from teacher chaperones open today and close on Friday 16 October.

For further information on the Premier’s Anzac Prize and to enter the 2016 student competition or apply as a teacher chaperone, visit www.education.qld.gov.au/anzac-prize