THE state government has awarded the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize to 12 secondary school students from across Victoria, including Carys Murray from Gippsland Grammar.
Minister for Veterans, Natalie Suleyman announced last Thursday the prize recipients and presented the winning students with their certificates at a presentation ceremony at Parliament House.
“The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize is an incredible opportunity for Victorian students to explore Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping history and reflect on the precious freedoms we have today that we owe to the sacrifices of our veterans,” Ms Suleyman said.
The prize winners will embark on a 10-day international study tour in September visiting historical sites and participating in a unique educational program that connects them to the service and sacrifice of veterans. The students and three teacher chaperones will travel to Türkiye, visiting significant historical sites in Istanbul and Çanakkale learning about the courageous actions of those who fought and died during the Gallipoli campaign.
The winners submitted outstanding entries exploring the significance of Victoria’s Shrine of Remembrance or a local community war memorial in honouring Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping.
“I want to thank each and every student who submitted projects paying tribute to the Shrine of Remembrance or other war memorials and showed their dedication to recognising the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” Ms Suleyman said.
The group comes from across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, ranging from year levels nine to 12 and includes First Nations students and students from diverse multicultural communities and backgrounds.
Gippsland Grammar student Carys Murray was one of the 12, meeting Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman and Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh this week.
“I love to see Victorian students do well in their education, and I was so proud to meet Carys Murray from Gippsland Grammar on Thursday, as one of 12 winners for the Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize,” Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said.
“I want to wish her congratulations, as she heads off on her journey to retrace the steps of the Anzacs.”
The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize is an annual competition open to Victorian school students enrolled in years nine to 12 with more than 500 students having been awarded the Prize since it began in 2005.
The 2024 Prize recipients will depart on their study tour during the September school holidays.
