Eight Queensland students and two teacher chaperones have won the educational trip of a lifetime, awarded the Premier’s 2023 ANZAC Prize, with one of the gifted students coming from Emerald State High School.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was delighted to announce the winners will visit some of Australia’s most important and historical war sites in Europe.
“This year’s announcement is special,” the Premier said.
“It will be the first group to travel overseas since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.
“It’s wonderful to see the travel component return and for our students to visit sites in London, Prance, and Belgium.
“It will allow the group to see and hear first-hand the ANZAC tradition and become Ambassadors for the ANZAC legacy when they return.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said the winners were chosen from 40 high-quality applicants.
“The students will be in years 9 to 12 when they travel in April,” Ms Grace said.
“This really is a life-changing experience.
“It’s an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of our ANZAC history, and to experience the world, and share those experiences with their friends and fellow students.”
Anastasia Maher said she was inspired by her own family’s history.
“My great grandfather, Edward Harold Waters, had also served in Gallipoli and on the Western Front, and a close family friend, Roy Savage, had served with distinction in Vietnam,” Anastasia said.
“These experiences and family ties meant I’ve had a strong connection to the ANZACs my whole life, which in turn motivated me to apply for this exciting opportunity.”
She said she is amazed at how the ANZACs stayed optimistic in horrific circumstances.
“My great grandfather’s involvement in World War I is a part of the ANZAC story that resonates with me. Reading his diary in particular was very moving, knowing that someone so close to me had to endure such hardships,” Anastasia said.
“On this trip, I am looking forward to learning more about the ANZACS with other young Queenslanders who share my same passion.
“I can’t wait to build lifelong friendships and everlasting memories through this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I am also very eager to visit the places that my great grandfather has written about in his diary over a hundred years ago.”
The 2023 Premier’s Anzac Prize is presented in partnership with RSL Queensland, a platinum sponsor for the next three years.
Anastasia Maher, Emerald State High School
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