The recipients of the 2023 Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize will soon embark on an unforgettable study tour to Gallipoli in Türkiye to learn about the spirit and courage of the Anzacs - thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman met with the 12 students at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance as part of a briefing event ahead of their departure to Gallipoli on 3 July.
The students and three teacher chaperones will travel to Istanbul and Gallipoli for the 10-day study tour which is provided as part of the Spirit of Anzac Prize.
The group will explore significant sites in Australia's wartime history in Türkiye, retracing the steps of the Anzacs and visiting the birthplace of the Anzac legend.
Students will learn from experts when visiting sites of historical and cultural significance, form meaningful connections, gain new perspectives and learn firsthand the special bond between Victoria and Türkiye formed through the collective experience of the Johnnies and Mehmets.
Each student will also participate in an 'adopt a digger' program and pay their respects to a member of their community who made the ultimate sacrifice through a personal memorial service at Lone Pine.
The students were chosen to receive the Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize for their projects interpreting and exploring the idea of the Anzac spirit and what it means today in a diverse and multicultural Australia.
The Spirit of Anzac Prize is an annual competition open to Victorian school schools enrolled in years 9 to 12 with more than 500 students having been awarded the Prize since it began in 2005.
The Prize offers young people the opportunity to explore Australia's wartime and peacekeeping history, join a fully funded study tour to significant war heritage sites in Türkiye, connect with veterans and the ex-service community and understand and remember the contribution of Victorian service people.
The recipients of the 2024 Prize will be announced later this year.
As stated by Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman
"The Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize is a unique opportunity for young people to learn about the history of service in Australia's wartime and peacekeeping history, and experience the unique friendship between Victoria and Türkiye."
"We are proud to support students with this opportunity through the Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize, giving students a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Gallipoli, Türkiye."
"I am thrilled for the students and the accompanying teachers as they prepare to embark on an unforgettable trip commemorating the enduring legacy of the Anzacs, and retracing their steps across sites of historical significance."
