2025 Regional Youth Program winners announced
Eighteen students from across regional NSW will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal veterans through the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Regional Youth Program.
The Minns Labor Government has today announced this year’s successful recipients who will travel to Sydney to participate in the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, on 30 May 2025.
Minister for Veterans and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris informed the three schools from regional NSW on their successful application to attend the commemoration service.
The successful schools are:
- St Raphael’s Catholic School, Cowra
- Clarence Valley Anglican School, Clarenza
- Kooringal High School, Kooringal.
The 18 successful students will be accompanied by 6 teachers to attend the commemoration service and other activities as part of the program.
Following its launch in 2024, this is the second year of the program delivered by the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs in partnership with the Association of Independent Schools of NSW, Catholic Schools NSW and NSW Department of Education.
The Indigenous Veterans Commemoration is in its 19th year and will take place during National Reconciliation Week.
The commemoration focuses on educating our younger generation about the history of Aboriginal contribution to our defence forces, spanning from the Boer War in 1899 through to recent operations and peacekeeping.
More information about the commemoration is available here: www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/indigenous-veterans-commemoration-service
Minister for Veterans and Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“As Minister for Veterans, as well as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty it is my pleasure to announce the three schools who will participate in this year’s Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Regional Youth Program 2025.
“This program provides a unique opportunity for regional students to travel to Sydney to participate in this important commemoration, and to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our Aboriginal veterans.
“As a former school principal, I know the exceptional value these programs provide to students and schools throughout regional NSW and I am proud that the Minns Labor Government is able to offer these opportunities.
“I look forward to meeting all the students and teachers at the Anzac Memorial later this month.”
MEDIA: Matt Porter | Minister Harris | 0407 239 578