Anzac legacy lives on through Simpson Prize

Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Stuart Robert, today announced the state and territory winners and runners-up in the 2022 Simpson Prize competition.

The Simpson Prize, a national competition for Year 9 and 10 students, encourages participants to explore what the Anzac spirit means to Australia.

Minister Robert thanked everyone who participated in this year’s Simpson Prize competition and said the ongoing dedication students have to this competition is a source of great pride.

‘The Anzac spirit is a core part of what it means to be an Australian and it is vital we foster an enduring appreciation of what the Anzacs, and all who have served since have sacrificed for our country,’ Minister Robert said.

‘The image of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, or Simpson as we all know him, and his donkey is one our most significant national symbols. It exemplifies service before self which is what it means to be Australian.’

This year’s winners and runners-up were selected from 474 entries from students nation-wide who wrote essays or prepared audio-visual presentations on the question: To what extent have the Gallipoli campaign and the Western Front overshadowed other significant aspects of Australians’ experience of the First World War?

Students were encouraged to engage with this question using a range of source materials including artworks, photographs and letters supplied by the Australian War Memorial.

‘As someone who has served Australia in uniform it makes me proud to see Australian students so engaged and interested in the Anzac legacy, something I will continue to embed as part of the new National Curriculum,’ Mr Robert said.

‘Congratulations and thank you to all involved and I look forward to next year’s competition.’

Entries for the 2023 Simpson Prize are now open, for more information, visit: www.simpsonprize.org

Background

The Simpson Prize Advisory Committee is considering the timing, location, and format of ceremonies at which winners and runners-up from each state and territory will be recognised for their achievement. 

The Australian Government has supported the History Teachers’ Association of Australia to organise the running of the Simpson Prize since 1998.

WINNERS

RUNNERS-UP