Premier's Spirit of ANZAC Prize
Congratulations to Shaileshwar Suresh.
Shaileshwar was one of twelve Victorian students to receive the Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize held on Thursday 13 August. Along with the other students, Shaileshwar will embark on a trip to Vietnam to deepen his understanding of Australian history, learning firsthand about the impacts of the Vietnam War.
These students will participate in a fully funded study tour to Vietnam. The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing covers all costs associated with:
- accommodation
- transport
- insurance
- activities
- meals
Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize study tours aim to connect young Victorians with the legend and spirit of Anzac, which symbolises the courage and sacrifice of Australian service people.
Study tour experiences also broaden students’ education and personal outlook.
On the study tour students can:
- deepen their understanding of Australian and world history
- learn from experts
- visit sites of historical and cultural significance
- meet a diverse group of Victorian students
- immerse themselves in another country’s rich culture and history
- form meaningful connections
- gain new perspectives
- build their independence, collaboration and leadership skills
- have fun
- make memories to last a lifetime.
Well done to Shaileshwar Suresh!
A word from Shaileshwar Suresh
The day I received a letter from the Minister for Veterans for the Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize, I remember expecting to be let down, but after receiving it, and attending online meetings to meet teacher chaperones, staff and other participants, I was excited and already dreaming about the trip.
The meetings consisted of icebreakers and formal introductions, getting to know who I would spend two weeks with. During this time, I learned about the 'Adopt a Digger' project in which I researched about themes and veterans of the war. I chose chemical warfare. On Thursday 13 August, I met all the other participants and staff from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and the Office for Veterans and teacher chaperones who would follow us closely on the trip. After receiving merchandise, my itinerary and multiple activities, we made our way to the Melbourne Parliament.
There, we formally met Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP, the Minister for Veterans. The Premier then had a surprise speech and after, we were treated to lunch. We soon returned to the original meeting rooms where we learnt about multiple Vietnam sources and veteran letters, understanding how to develop our research into our chosen inquiry topics. After learning about our soon-to-come trips, we were all sent home after an eventful day.
The Premier's Spirit of Anzac Prize is an annual competition open to Victorian students in Years 9 to 12, with winners receiving a fully funded overseas study tour. Students will visit historic sites across Vietnam including Ho Chin Minh, Hanoi as well as the villages of Hoa Long and Nui Dat. The tour is designed to deepen students' understanding of Australia’s history of service and sacrifice in relation to the Vietnam War.
Shaileshwar Suresh
Year 11 Student