Anzac spirit will continue through Premier’s Prize

More Queensland students will get the chance to trace our Anzac history in Europe, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing today that the Premier’s Anzac Prize will continue in 2019.

Ms Palaszczuk said eight Queensland students and two teacher chaperones would tour important war memorial sites in London, France and Belgium next year.

“This important program allows Queensland students to experience the Anzac tradition first-hand,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Successful applicants become ambassadors for the Anzac legacy by sourcing and sharing their reflections from World War I battlefields with Queensland communities back at home.

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with many Prize recipients to hear directly from them about their inspirational experiences and remarkable discoveries.

“I’m so pleased we’re continuing the program next year so that even more young Queenslanders can do the same.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the Premier’s Anzac Prize was an invaluable educational experience for Year 8 to 11 state and non-state school students from right across Queensland.

“I thank the Premier for supporting this program, which allows students to explore how the Anzac spirit transcends modern Australian life more than 100 years on,” Ms Grace said.

“Programs like this help ensure we don’t forget the sacrifices made in the past and that we remember to continue applying some very important lessons learned from history.

“I’m particularly proud that this year’s tour group raised more than $7,000 for the Mates4Mates organisation, which supports wounded, injured or ill current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.”

Ms Grace said the fundraising idea was initiated by one of the past tour groups and was a great example of carrying on the Anzac spirit.

Isaac Mabo-Edwards from Pimlico State High School was one of the Premier’s Anzac Prize tour winners in 2018.

“The Premier’s Anzac Prize is not just a trip, it’s a life-changing experience. One of the most inspiring moments for me was following in the footsteps of the three brave soldiers I researched,” Isaac said.

“I’m keeping their stories alive back home by sharing my journey with friends, family, my school community and local primary school students, so that the Anzac legend can live on through us all.”

Over the six years of the Premier’s Anzac Prize (2013–2018), 104 Queensland secondary school students and 22 chaperones have travelled to World War I battlefields as part of the program.

More information on the Premier’s Anzac Prize including image and video galleries, plus diary entries by current and past tour winners, can be found on the Department of Education website at: www.education.qld.gov.au/students/grants/scholarships/anzac

Media contact:

Emma Clarey (Minister Grace) 0439 578 472