Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has encouraged students currently in Year 9 or 10 to apply for the 2016 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship, for the opportunity to travel to historic battlefields in which Australian Diggers fought.
The Scholarship program will provide students with the ability to visit the Western Front to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac.
Stuart Ayres encouraged local schools in Penrith to participate in the scheme, providing them with the opportunity to represent their school and local community.
“The scholarships will enable students to learn about the history of our Anzacs and share their experience with the community,” Stuart Ayres said.
Premier Baird said it is important that Australian service men and women are remembered in their local communities.
“The scholars’ pilgrimage to the Western Front will enable the stories of sacrifice and courage by the Anzacs to be passed on to our younger generations.”
Each year up to 20 scholarships will be provided to NSW students, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the key battlefields and memorials associated with the Centenary of Anzac.
In July 2016 students will be visiting France and Belgium to commemorate the Anzacs who fought on the Western Front during the First World War.
In the past, students have visited a range of battlefields and memorials associated with Australia’s Anzac legacy including: including South Korea, Turkey, the Western Front, Vietnam and Singapore.
Applications for 2016 will be assessed by a committee including NSW RSL, Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Education.
Students and teachers should apply by visiting the Veterans Affairs (link is external)‘ website at veterans.nsw.gov.au and click on the education tab or contact (02) 9228 4710. (pictured is former recipient Paul Blackman, Stuart Ayres and Neville Barnier)
