Twenty students from NSW to travel to Singapore and Darwin
Twenty students hailing from Terranora in the state’s north to Finley in the south, have secured a Premier's Anzac Memorial Scholarship for a two-week historical study tour to Singapore and Darwin.
Premier Chris Minns today announced the successful students participating in the tour that will gain an invaluable experience as they visit important historical sites.
Over 230 students from 161 NSW high schools applied for the scholarship, an increase of 84% from last year. There was an even distribution of metro and regional schools, with both government and non-government schools represented. Applicants submitted a personal essay, a marked history assignment and a letter of recommendation from their school.
The 20 successful students will further develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of Australians at war as they visit important places associated with Australia’s military history.
Among the successful applicants was East Hills Girls Technology High School student Amy Kennedy has family ties to service through her grandfather, Private Francis John Kennedy who fought in New Guinea during the Second World War.
Similarly, Jaiah Wallace from Saint Ignatius' College Riverview was also successful and is a leader within the school’s First Nations program.
The tour will run from 22 September to 4 October 2023 and will be accompanied by a military historian to teach students about our nation’s military past and help them understand the importance of commemoration.
More information about the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship is available here.
Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Chris Minns:
“Congratulations to these students who have demonstrated their passion to learn more about our nation’s military history and understand the service and sacrifice of our veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans David Harris:
“This will be a deeply meaningful experience, with the students travelling overseas for the first time since 2020 to visit significant military history sites associated with the Second World War in Darwin and Singapore. As a former school principal, I am glad that our government supports students and current generations to continue to learn about the military history of New South Wales and our nation.”
Quotes attributable to Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview student Jaiah Wallace:
“Australia’s history, particularly that of our military, holds the key to understanding the past, navigating the present, and shaping a future of enlightened wisdom, in all aspects of our lives.”
Quotes attributable to East Hills Girls Technology High School Student Amy Kennedy:
“My family connection to service gives me a profound understanding of the sacrifice made by veterans, and I am thrilled to deepen both this and my knowledge of Australia’s involvement in war and conflict during the scholarship tour."
Media:
Dan Conifer | Premier | 0456 723 037
Rhys Zorro | Minister Harris | 0458 959 423