The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA074
Monday, 24 August 2009
WINNERS OF ANZAC DAY SCHOOLS’ AWARDS ANNOUNCED
Creative entries from Western Australia and Queensland have taken out the top honours in this year’s
Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced today.
Mr Griffin said he was impressed by the quality of entries and was pleased to support a competition
that was encouraging another generation of Australians to learn about our wartime history.
“West Australia’s Ballajura Community College won the National and West Australian State award in
the Secondary School category and Queensland’s Mater Dei Primary School won the National and
Queensland State award in the Primary School category. Each school received $3000 in prize money
for their efforts,” Mr Griffin said.
“Ballajura Community College’s entry strongly reflected the school’s ongoing commitment to
commemorating the Anzac tradition. The most striking aspect of this entry was the creation of ‘Anzac
Ribbons’, soaring glass panels representing campaign ribbons of servicemen and women from the
local community. Each ribbon was etched with biographies, poems, reflections, photographs and war
records.
“Mater Dei Primary School’s carefully tailored education program met the needs and abilities of
students of all ages. As part of their entry a DVD titled ‘Reflections’ was produced and played during
the school’s Anzac Day liturgy – a moving tribute to those who served. The judges were impressed
with the students’ research efforts which forged links with veterans and their local community.”
Mr Griffin also gave a special mention to Central Queensland’s Blackall State School on winning the
special category award ‘Best veteran and community involvement.’ As part of a class assignment,
one student began researching the service of a local First World War veteran and Victoria Cross
recipient, Lieutenant Edgar Towner. Following the publication of this student’s work, the community
discovered more about their local hero and this project culminated in the erection of a bronze statue in
his memory.
“Congratulations to the winning entrants and all the students and teachers involved. With so many
noteworthy entries, the judges faced a very difficult task. I encourage all schools to enter the awards
in 2010 and to share what they learn about the service and sacrifice of our veteran community,”
Mr Griffin said.
The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards is funded under the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service
Commemorations program and administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. School students
are encouraged to learn about Australia’s wartime heritage and to develop innovative ways to
commemorate the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women each Anzac Day.
This year 21 schools shared in $22,500 prize money. For more information visit the Commemoration
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
on 1800 011 046. To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email please go to
minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
2009 ANZAC DAY SCHOOLS’ AWARDS STATE WINNERS - SECONDARY SCHOOLS
STATE
$PRIZE
Ballajura Community College (and National winner)
WA
$3,000
Aquinas College
NSW
$1,000
Ulverstone High School
TAS
$1,000
Henley High School
SA
$1,000
Harts Range School
NT
$1,000
Clontarf Beach State High School
QLD
$1,000
St Clare’s College
ACT
$1,000
Seymour Technical High School
VIC
$1,000
2009 ANZAC DAY SCHOOLS’ AWARDS STATE WINNERS - PRIMARY SCHOOLS
STATE
$PRIZE
Mater Dei Primary School, Toowoomba (and National winner)
QLD
$3,000
Trinity Christian School (Junior Section)
ACT
$1,000
Frank Partridge VC Public School
NSW
$1,000
Dunalley Primary School
TAS
$1,000
Magill Junior Primary School
SA
$1,000
Girraween Primary School
NT
$1,000
East Hamersley Primary School
WA
$1,000
Balcombe Grammar School
VIC
$1,000
Best innovative activity – Banksia Hill Detention Centre
WA
$500
Best local historical research – Singleton High School
NSW
$500
Best veteran and community involvement – Blackall State School
QLD
$500
Best use of technology – Australian Technical College - North Brisbane
QLD
$500
Best commemorative art – St Michael’s College
SA
$500
Total prize money = $22,500
NEWS 
