27 March 2025

Owen McCoughtry from St Ignatius College Geelong, Drysdale, was one of only 12 secondary students from across Victoria to win last year’s Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Award and participate in a study tour to important historical sites in Türkiye, which Owen said was, ‘… a great opportunity to deepen my understanding of Australian and world history’.

In his prize-winning poem, The Drysdale Cenotaph: Honouring Mateship, Honouring Community, Owen took inspiration from the history of his local community and from his own family.

‘As the third generation of my family living in Drysdale [researching and writing the poem] was an opportunity to learn more about Anzacs and World War II’, he said.

An excerpt from The Drysdale Cenotaph:

They served to build their country,
Creating Australia’s history through every piece of grit,
Every sacrifice,
Shaping who and what Australia would become,
And for that I am eternally grateful.

‘The poem is about recognising the people who came back from war and were unrecognised’, he said.

There are many opportunities for Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) schools to deepen their understanding and involvement in Anzac Day this year.

Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize

The Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize offers young Victorians the opportunity to explore Australia's wartime and peacekeeping history, join a fully funded study tour to significant war heritage sites in Türkiye, connect with veterans and the ex-service community, and understand and remember the contribution of Victorian service people. The Prize is open to students in years 9 to 12, enrolled in a Victorian secondary school.

Entries close 28 April.

For more information visit the Spirit of Anzac Prize page on the Victorian Government website.

Melbourne Legacy's Annual Anzac Commemoration for Students

Secondary and primary school students from around Victoria help keep the Anzac spirit alive by commemorating the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served our country. Honorary guests and dignitaries will be in attendance to address the students and the ceremony will include Defence Force Cadets, school band and choir, and a RAAF fly-over.

At the Second World War Forecourt, Shrine of Remembrance, on 28 April at 11 am to 12 pm.

Register via the Shrine of Remembrance website.

Department of Veteran’s Affairs Anzac Day kitbag

Schools may also download the Anzac Day kitbag with resources for hosting an Anzac Day ceremony from the Department of Veterans' Affairs' Anzac Portal.

Anzac Day Schools' Awards

The Department of Veterans' Affairs is proud to host the Anzac Day Schools' Awards. This national competition recognises the work of students and teachers in schools that engage with veterans and honour Australia's wartime history. The theme for 2025 is 'Remembering Gallipoli: 110 years'.

Entries close 29 May.

For more information, visit the Anzac Day Schools' Awards page on the DVA Anzac Portal.