Eight young Queenslanders to trace path of Anzac legends

• Eight Queensland high school students heading to see WW1 sites in Europe farewelled in Brisbane today
• They will attend Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in France
• Applications are now open for the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize

Education Minister Grace Grace and Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs Bart Mellish today farewelled the eight 2023 Premier’s Anzac Prize recipients before they departed for the educational trip of a lifetime.

The students – and their two teacher chaperones – will visit WW1 memorial sites and attend the Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian War Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux in France.

They have also taken part in community engagement and fundraising projects in the lead up to the trip.

The students were selected after demonstrating their passion for, and knowledge of, Anzac history.  

One hundred and twenty-eight students have been awarded the prize since it began in 2013, and applications for the 2024 Prize are now open to all Queensland high school students in Years 8-11.

The Premier’s Anzac Prize is presented in partnership with RSL Queensland.

Quotes attributable to the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“The Anzac Prize provides a unique opportunity for these young Queenslanders to understand our Anzac history and appreciate why it is such a strong part of our culture.

“This year’s cohort is particularly special, as they will be the first group to travel overseas since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.

"I’m also delighted they’ll be accompanied by my Assistant Minister for Veterans, Bart Mellish, a tireless advocate for the RSL and our vets.

“Previous recipients have come home with a deep understanding and appreciation of the Anzac history and spirit, so I’d like to encourage all Queensland high school students to get their entry in for the 2024 Prize – applications are now open.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education Grace Grace:

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients. Over the next 16 days they will be Queensland’s ambassadors and I am sure they will do a great job representing our state.

“The sacrifices of Australia’s servicemen and women will become very real to them as they visit places including the Menin Gate, Villers Bretonneux and Flanders Fields – places that are familiar names on the pages of our shared history.

“I know they are excited and nervous, but they should be proud of being selected and proud of what they are about to do.”

Quotes attributable to RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day:

“The history of the Anzacs has become part of the fabric of Australia’s heritage; and the legend of our Diggers is now part of our nation’s enduring legacy,” Major General Day said.  

“This Prize provides a unique opportunity for young people to continue to learn and recognise how service people have contributed to making Australia what it is today.

“This tour provides so much more than book learning; it allows young and passionate students the chance to truly immerse themselves in the history of our Anzacs and understand the service and sacrifice of previous generations.  

“With applications for the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize now open, I’d like to urge high school students from every corner of the state to apply and become ambassadors of the Anzac legacy within their local community. 

“As part of your application, I’d encourage students to engage with their local RSL Sub Branch and hear from a local veteran on what it means to serve in our Defence Forces.” 

Further Information:

For more information about the Premier’s Anzac Prize visit: https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/budgets-funding-grants/scholarships/premiers-ANZAC-prize

Media contacts:

Lane Calcutt (Premier's office) – 0411 535 191

Kate Talbot (Minister Grace's office) – 0439 803 211