Thursday, 7 April 2022

Ministers statements: Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (12:40): I would like to update the house on the recent presentations of the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize. On Friday I attended the Shrine of Remembrance for this prestigious award presentation. There were 37 out of the 40 winners in attendance, from a range of public and private schools across Victoria. These students were accompanied by proud parents and teachers. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all the students for the efforts that went into their outstanding entries. Students and their families and teachers travelled from across Victoria to attend, and I thank them for the support they were given, particularly Abby, Molly and Zanthe, who came down from Benalla, Keelee from St Augustine’s College in Kyabram, and Sofia, who came down from Mildura Senior College and was one of the winners to present their fantastic work at the ceremony.

The Spirit of Anzac Prize provides years 9, 10 and 11 students with greater awareness and appreciation of Australia’s war and peacekeeping history and the service and sacrifice of veterans. Students are awarded scholarships to a value of up to $2500 to use towards their educational pursuits, such as veterans history archives, and education expenditure, such as books, uniforms, IT equipment, educational aids, excursions and sporting and musical equipment.

The event was kicked off with a welcome to country by Boon Wurrung elder Uncle Mik Edwards. This was once again significant because on Remembrance Day last year Uncle Mik and his brother Shane conducted the first ever welcome to country and smoking ceremony at a major memorial service at the Shrine of Remembrance. I want to congratulate the shrine trustees and the management for bringing this to the shrine and for a number of other important elements to make sure all the community feel welcome when these events are held at the shrine.