Thursday, 14 November 2024

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (09:54): Every year on 11 November we pause to honour and remember the brave Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations around the globe. As we commemorate Remembrance Day it is so important that we recognise the sacrifices that have shaped our country and of course our identity. That is why I am proud to congratulate the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize winners. These are students that have participated in Remembrance Day services across the state. The member for Bellarine has proudly shared with me about her local prize-winning student Owen, who read a very meaningful poem at his local service. Also, in Wonthaggi the member for Bass has advised me how her prize-winning student Chloe spoke about her connection to the local Wonthaggi community Remembrance Day. I would also like to highlight a student that contacted me after travelling to Türkiye as part of the Spirit of Anzac Prize program, Mahdia Qasimi from Hampton Park Secondary College, who shared a powerful video retracing the steps of the Anzac legends in Gallipoli, Türkiye, with her fellow 2024 prize-winning students. The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize has a big impact. It really is life-changing to most students, who actually get to travel to Gallipoli and Türkiye. I cannot wait to see next year’s prize winners.