Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin and students from Queensland’s Mater Dei Primary School today officially launched the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards at Parliament House in Canberra. As Anzac Day approaches, Mr Griffin encouraged primary and secondary school students to begin preparing their entries for this year’s awards.

“The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards bring together students and the veteran community. This is a valuable opportunity for students to share and display their understanding the significance of Anzac Day and its meaning for veterans, as well as younger generations,” Mr Griffin said. “Winners of the 2009 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, the Mater Dei school students were awarded the prize for their well-researched and thoughtful tribute to those who served in defence of our nation. I’m pleased that schools are taking the opportunity to invite veterans to share their stories and pay tribute to them at school events. Entries in past years have also included artwork, a collection of wartime stories from local veterans and serving members and class research projects into our wartime history."

“The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards is one way we are ensuring the next generation of Australians learn the traditions of Anzac Day and the stories of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve us today,” Mr Griffin said.

The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards are open to all Australian primary and secondary schools and entries close on Friday, 21 May 2010. Winners will be announced later in the year. Anzac Day Schools' Awards are judged by representatives from the ex-service community, teachers and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. In 2009, 155 primary and secondary schools entered the competition and 21 schools shared in $22,500 in prize money for their efforts