In the lead up to ANZAC Day 2017, Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria encourages current Year 9 and Year 10 students across Gippsland to submit entries to the 2016-17 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize.

The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize is an outstanding opportunity for young people to learn and appreciate the service and sacrifices of our veterans.

Twenty two recipients from across Victoria will be selected to travel on an overseas study during the March/April 2017 school holidays to visit key sites to Australia’s wartime history; and 20 regional finalists will participate in a study tour of significant sites in Canberra, including the Australian War Memorial in June/July 2017.

This year, students have the opportunity to select from one of two topics, one of which focuses on the experiences and impact on women, the community and most of all on the expectations and responsibilities of young people during the Great War.  The second topic, more broadly asks students to research the experiences of the ANZACs during World War One using four primary sources of evidence.

Secondary School teachers are also welcome to apply to be chaperones on the study tour. Further details and how to apply for a teacher chaperone position are available at http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/veterans/premiers-spirit-of-anzac-prize/teacher-chaperone-positions.

Applications close on 23 September 2016. Further details about the Prize and how to apply are available at www.dpc.vic.gov.au/soap .

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“So many Gippsland families and communities have a significant and enduring connection to Australia’s wartime history. Scores of Gippslanders gave their service and their lives, and those who returned often never recovered from their experiences.”

“This Prize provides our students and future leaders with a unique opportunity to understand and learn from the moments that shaped our wartime history.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans, John Eren:

“Our students are our future, and this year’s Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize winners are brilliant leaders among the community.”

“We want all Victorian students to cherish the legacy of our Anzac veterans, because it’s our duty to preserve their memories.”