Ari Burnu Cemetery at Gallipoli, just north of Anzac Cove, where Australia's Hellenic Anzac Private Peter Rados of the 3rd Battalion AIF is buried. Photo Jim Claven.
The Victorian Government has announced that applications are now open for the 2026 intake for the Victorian Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize. Applications for the Prize are now open and close at 5 pm on Monday 11 May.
The Prize is open to Victorian students in years 9 to 12. Students from all backgrounds, from across the state, are encouraged to apply. To enter, students are asked to reflect on the Anzac values and how they model them in their lives.
To enter the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize competition, students must respond to the submission questions in the online application form via the Grants Gateway platform and provide both a signed Prize 2026 Parent/carer declaration consent form and Prize 2026 School representative statement and declaration form.
Twelve students will be selected to visit historically significant Anzac sites and learn first-hand about the people, places and sacrifices of those who served in war. Participation in the tour provides a unique cultural opportunity to deepen student’s knowledge of Australia’s wartime and peace-keeping history (especially the contribution of Victorian service people), as well as to connect with veterans and the ex-service community. Through the Prize, recipients could take part in a fully funded overseas study tour in September to learn about the Anzac legend. It also aims to help build students build confidence, leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the world.
This year’s Prize offers young Victorians the opportunity to join a fully funded study tour to significant war heritage sites in Türkiye. Previous overseas tours have included visits to the Anzac sites at Gallipoli as well as to those on the Island of Lemnos. Historian Jim Claven OAM has previously provided an introductory presentation on Lemnos & Gallipoli to prize recipients and their families for that year’s tour of Lemnos. Given the current international situation, decisions regarding the timing and location of the tour will be made with the safety of students and teacher chaperones as the highest priority.
Recipients will participate in an overseas study tour during the September school holidays. The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing covers all costs associated with accommodation, transport, insurance, activities and meals. Financial assistance is available on request for students who need support for any additional related costs.
Teachers, Principals, Parents or Carers are encouraged to pass this opportunity on to eligible secondary students they may know and who may be interested.
Given the strong links between Greece and Australia’s Anzac tradition across both world wars, this writer hopes that eligible Victorian students of Hellenic background or with veteran connections to the Anzac campaigns in Greece across both world wars will consider making an application for this important and valuable prize.
For more information or to apply for the 2026 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/spirit-anzac-prize-student-competition.
2018 Prize recipients visiting the newly unveiled Australia Pier Memorial at Mudros, Lemnos. Photo The Premiers Spirit of Anzac Prize FB page.
Jim Claven, LGCC Secretary
