Year 9 and 10 students with an interest in our nation's war history are being encouraged to enter the Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize, with entries closing in a little under six weeks' time.

The competition aims to engage as many Year 9 and 10 students as possible in understanding Australia's role in war and from that an appreciation of the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

Twenty-two successful students from across the state will participate in an overseas study tour to sites where Australians have served in times of war and peacekeeping. In addition, 20 regional finalists will visit Canberra and be invited to attend the Premier's Anzac Day Luncheon.

Students are given a broad choice of the format for their entry, which can be in the form of an essay, short story or poem, audio or video presentation, musical composition, web page, or artwork.

They are encouraged to source material from interviews, experiences of friends or relatives, media sources and individual research conducted online as well as using non-electronic sources such as those found at local libraries, RSLs or historical societies.

Earlier this year, local student Rebekah Albrecht spent ten days touring historic World War Two sites in Darwin and Singapore as one of twenty-two recipients of the Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize.

Click here to read Rebekah's report on her experience, as delivered at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College's Anzac service in April.
"The study tour was an amazing opportunity to gain an insight and further understanding of the events that took place during World War II and to extend classroom knowledge.

"I highly recommend all eligible students to consider entering this year's competition."

- Year 10 student Rebekah Albrecht

For more information on the Prize and how to enter can visit www.dpc.vic.gov.au/soap. Entries close on Tuesday 3 October 2017.

Photo - Commonwealth War Memorial at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey.