The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today congratulated the winners and runners-up in the Australian Government’s Simpson Prize for 2010. A ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra today recognised the eight talented school students who will take part in commemorative Anzac Day services at Gallipoli as part of their award.

The popular national competition is open to Year 9 and 10 students each year who submit an essay or audio-visual presentation about the Australian Anzac tradition. The awards honour John Simpson Kirkpatrick, famous as the man with the donkey, for his bravery as a stretcher-bearer at Gallipoli in 1915.

More than 540 students submitted an essay or audio-visual presentation this year, responding to the question “Are there voices missing from the Anzac Legend?”. Entries this year covered subjects including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anzacs, First World War submariners, clergy and war correspondents.

Each winner and runner-up received a medallion to celebrate their achievements. Recipients will take part in a two-day Canberra study program which includes visits to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and the National Museum of Australia. The Australian Government provided funding of $186 000 for the 2010 Simpson Prize and is providing $186 000 for the 2011 Simpson Prize, which will run in the 2010 school year.