THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac
14 September 2011
The commemoration of our Anzacs is in capable hands, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon said today, as he presented the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards to this year’s national primary school winner.
The annual Anzac Day Schools’ Awards encourage students to learn about Australia’s wartime history and develop relationships with their local veteran and current serving communities.
Mr Snowdon said Compton Primary School, from South Australia, has shown great initiative and planning for its Anzac Day commemorations.
Students from the school were in Canberra today on a school excursion where they had an opportunity to meet with Minister Snowdon and were presented with their awards.
“I am honoured to meet these students today and to present them with their well-deserved awards,” Mr Snowdon said.
Compton Primary School won both the National Award and the South Australia State Award for their entry which showed exceptional commitment to commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans and current serving members.
Compton Primary School students commemorated the wartime contribution of their town by developing a Trail of Honour recognising the efforts of 67 local Second World War veterans. The school held a special service in their honour which was well attended by students, their families and the wider Mount Gambier community.
“I strongly encourage all Australian primary and secondary schools to consider sharing how they commemorate and learn about Australia’s wartime history and enter the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards in 2012,” Mr Snowdon said,
“The sharing of our veterans’ stories is becoming increasingly important as we look towards the Centenary of the First World War from 2014 to 2018.”
Entries for the 2012 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards are now open and will close on Friday, 12 May 2012.
For more information on the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards and how to enter please visit www.dva.gov.au.
Media inquiries:
Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999 or 02 6277 7820
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203