Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has called on the Cootamundra electorate’s schools to apply to participate in the 2019 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship, which will give 20 high school students the chance to see firsthand the battlefields that fill the pages of Australia’s military story.
The successful Year 10 and 11 history students will visit historic sites and battlegrounds in Germany, France and Belgium to deepen their understanding of the causes of war and to commemorate the service of Australians in World War I and II.
Ms Cooke encouraged Cootamundra electorate schools to submit an expression of interest to give students the opportunity of a lifetime.
“Walking in the footsteps of Australian soldiers is an educational experience like no other. It is an opportunity for students to be moved by the sacrifice of defence personnel, an experience they can take home and share with their peers,” Ms Cooke said.
Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said the scholarship tour would enable students to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the sacrifice and courage of service men and women.
“As the Centenary of Anzac draws to a close, it is vital we continue to teach the Anzac story to new generations so the contribution of Australia’s military can be honoured for centuries to come,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW secondary schools are now eligible to submit an online application to enter a ballot for the scholarship. The 20 successful schools will then select three potential students based on a piece of work on key themes from the NSW History Curriculum. One lucky student will then be selected from each school to travel on the tour.
Schools can submit an expression of interest until 10am, 15 October 2018. Visit http://bit.ly/pams2019 for more information.
