Victorian students in Years 9-11 in the Werribee District are eligible to win $2,500 as they learn about Australian service people and their history through the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize.

The annual competition run by the Victorian Government aims to build greater awareness of Australia’s war and peacekeeping history and the remarkable contributions of our veterans.

The Member for Werribee Tim Pallas encouraged schools and students in Werribee to participate in this great program.

The prize will support educational experiences and expenses and be administered by their school.

Students can enter the competition by responding to and reflecting on a prompt about the Spirit of Anzac and how it represents resilience, courage, endurance, ingenuity, mateship, and good humour. They can submit their responses in a range of formats including essay, artwork, video, audio, music, webpage or poem.

Students are encouraged to explore the topic from a personal perspective and to seek out the views of veterans in their own communities if possible.

The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize began in 2005 and has since been awarded to more than 500 students.

In previous years students have travelled in Australia and overseas but the COVID-19 pandemic has meant this option isn’t available.

Applications for the prize in 2021 close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 August, with winners expected to be notified in October.

For more information, the full topic and eligibility criteria, students and schools should visit www.vic.gov.au/soap.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane

“The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize supports young Victorians to connect with the experiences of veterans and their families, which is a connection they can carry with them for a lifetime.”

“It’s so important for Victorian young people to learn about the sacrifices veterans and their families have made so that all Australians could enjoy safety, freedom and peace – so we can ensure these sacrifices are never forgotten.

Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“We are thrilled that Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize is encouraging our young leaders to improve their understanding and appreciation of this important aspect of history.”

“I encourage teachers and schools to explore how they can encourage their students to enter and consider incorporating the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize in the classroom.”