Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott today congratulated three teachers from across NSW joining 2018 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour of battlefields and trenches of the Western Front.
The 13-day tour will give Year 10 and 11 students the opportunity to experience Australia’s military story first-hand in Ypres, Passchendaele, the Somme and Flanders in Belgium.
The delegation will also attend the official centenary commemoration of the Battle of Le Hamel, France, where Lieutenant General Sir John Monash commanded the Australian Corps.
Mr Elliott said the pilgrimage to the Western Front would inspire a new generation of Australian students to gain a deeper understanding of the Anzac story.
“This is a rare opportunity for history teachers across NSW to walk in the footsteps of our Diggers, and will surely benefit their students when they return to the classroom with first-hand knowledge of the sacrifice and courage of the Anzacs,” Mr Elliott said.
A very high standard of applications were received from history teachers across the state. A panel consisting of representatives from the Office for Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education and the History Teachers’ Association of NSW convened to review and interview applicants.
The three successful teachers are:
- Lisa Waygood, Engadine High School
- Greg Hannelly, St Edward’s College, East Gosford
- Carla Killen, Hunter Valley Grammar School.
Greg Hannelly of St Edward’s College said, “We are representing Australia one hundred years on, and will be able to reflect first hand on what those brave people did in the name of peace.”
A tour historian and a NSW Government representative will also join the students.
For more information about the scholarship, please click here: