Bowen State High School Year 9 student Isaiah Howell has been selected as one of eight outstanding Queensland students to receive the prestigious 2026 Premier’s Anzac Prize, earning the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Europe and learn about Australia’s rich Anzac legacy.
Isaiah will join fellow students from across the state on a two-week educational tour of historic war sites in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and France, culminating in the Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux.
"We are thrilled to announce that Year 9 student Isaiah Howell has been awarded the 2026 Premier's Anzac Prize, a testament to his outstanding achievements," shared Bowen State High School.
The Premier’s Anzac Prize is part of the Queensland Government’s $21.9 billion 2025–26 Education Budget and aims to encourage young Queenslanders to connect with the Anzac spirit and the stories of those who served.
Premier David Crisafulli congratulated the 2026 recipients and said the journey would deepen their appreciation for Australia’s military history.
“I am proud young Queenslanders have such a passion for our rich military history, and for understanding the Anzac legacy,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We owe the Anzacs a debt of gratitude for their service and it’s vital that our young Queenslanders learn about their legacy.
“This important journey will help students develop a greater appreciation for their sacrifices.
“I wish all Anzac Prize winners the very best for their travels and I hope they return with a lifelong respect and appreciation for our servicemen and women.”
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the Prize provides students with a powerful opportunity to experience history firsthand.
“Education extends well beyond the classroom and this prize provides a unique opportunity for students to bring their history lessons to life,” Minister Langbroek said.
Before embarking on the trip, recipients will take part in a Young Historians Workshop at the State Library of Queensland, where they will research the stories of Queenslanders who served during World War I.
The 2026 Premier’s Anzac Prize will cover all travel, accommodation, and associated costs, thanks to support from RSL Queensland, the State Library of Queensland, and the Queensland Museum. More information about the Premier’s Anzac Prize can be found at the Department of Education website.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
