- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to eight Queensland students and two teacher chaperones.
- Recipients of the 2027 Premier’s Anzac Prize will travel overseas to walk in the footsteps of Anzac soldiers in the United Kingdom, France and Belgium.
- Recipients named to mark the start of the 2026 State Education Week.
- The prestigious Anzac Prize is one of the awards and excellence programs that deliver a world-class education to students after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has announced the successful recipients of the prestigious 2027 Premier’s Anzac Prize, with eight Queensland students and two teacher chaperones awarded the journey of a lifetime to the United Kingdom, France and Belgium.
The Prize encourages recipients to discover Australia’s rich Anzac legacy and develops their understanding of our nation’s military history by walking in the footsteps of fallen soldiers at historic war sites.
In addition to the overseas tour, students will participate in a range of events and learning experiences, including Remembrance Day commemorations and the Young Historian Workshop and White Gloves Experience at the State Library of Queensland.
After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a world-class education to students with a focus on literacy, numeracy and excellence programs including the Premier’s ANZAC Prize, the Westminster Prize and the Peter Doherty Awards.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Premier’s Anzac Prize gave young Queenslanders an opportunity to connect with an important part of Australia’s history.
“Through this program, Queensland students will gain a better understanding of the courage, sacrifice and service that helped shape our nation,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Anzacs are our nation’s heroes and it’s important the next generation understands the significant sacrifices of those who came before us.
“By visiting significant historical sites in the United Kingdom, France and Belgium, these young Queenslanders will gain a deeper appreciation of the Anzac legacy and the enduring values it represents.”
“I congratulate the successful recipients and teacher chaperones on this outstanding achievement and know they will represent Queensland with pride.”
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said he was proud to have introduced the Premier’s Anzac Prize in 2013.
“The Premier’s Anzac Prize is an extraordinary opportunity for students from across Queensland to build their knowledge of Australia’s military history,” Minister Langbroek said.
“This is a powerful learning experience that extends beyond the classroom and stays with students through their lives.
“This Prize helps our young people return home with a stronger understanding of the Anzac legacy and its significance for Queensland and Australia.
“We’re announcing our inspiring 2027 winners on State Education Week, which celebrates excellence in state schools across Queensland.”
Warwick State High School student Charlie Bargh said he felt privileged to have been selected.
“I have been part of the Australian Army Cadets for the past three years and hope to join the Australian Army in the future,” Charlie said.
“Attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that very few people have the opportunity to attend.”
Erin Maher from St Monica’s College in Cairns said her connection with the Anzac legacy spanned three countries.
“I hold replica medals from my Irish great-great-grandfathers who served in the First World War, participate in Cairns Anzac Day commemorations, and carry a deep sense of gratitude for the Australian soldiers who defended Singapore, the city where I was born, during the Second World War,” Erin said.
“I applied for the Premier’s Anzac Prize because I believe shared histories matter. The Anzac legacy crosses borders and belongs to all Australians.”
RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM said helping young people recognise the contribution of service people from past conflicts was vital to understanding the Australia we know today.
“Shaped by the ANZAC spirit more than 100 years ago, this rare pilgrimage gives students the opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation of the service, commitment and sacrifice of veterans and their families,” Major General Day said.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Queensland Department of Education and help make this meaningful Prize available to young people across Queensland.”
The Premier’s Anzac Prize is delivered by the Department of Education in partnership with RSL Queensland.
The 2027 Premier’s Anzac Prize student recipients are:
Aliza Palasara, Mansfield State High School
Charlie Bargh, Warwick State High School
Owen Callinan, Meridan State College
Lucy Mowbray, All Hallows’ School
Erin Maher, St Monica’s College – Cairns
Isabelle O’Hara, Mackay North State High School
Isabelle Wilson, Robina State High School
Lucinda Rowan, Somerville House
The 2027 teacher chaperones are:
David O’Connor, Deputy Principal-Primary, Nashville State School
Tamara Steinhardt, Head of Department – Engagement, Sarina State High School
