Winners of Anzac Day Schools' Awards

Each year, this national competition encourages students to connect with veterans and current-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. It helps students learn more about Australia’s history and about the people who have served our nation.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) congratulates all students, teachers and schools that participated in the 2026 Anzac Day Schools' Awards.

The 2026 theme, 'Women in service', inspired students to explore and honour women's contributions in the ADF.

Thank you to the many schools that submitted entries. The projects were diverse, creative and thoughtful, showcasing the meaningful and innovative ways schools commemorate veterans and their service.

We thank everyone for their participation and look forward to welcoming schools back in 2027.

The theme for the 2027 Anzac Day Schools' Awards is 'Pursuit of peace'.

2026 winners

National winner: Kangaroo Inn Area School, Kangaroo Inn, SA

Years 9 and 10 students honoured women in service through a meaningful project. The students used their English, Textiles, Humanities and Art classes to engage with the theme. The entry drew inspiration from the iconic Changi Quilt and stories about Limestone Coast's local service women. The students researched the experiences of local women and their contributions to service. The judges were impressed by the Gallery Walk. The exhibition featured a timeline of women in service, student writing, artworks and a student-designed quilt. Through this work, students built a strong understanding of history and developed great respect for the women whose stories they explored. Reflecting on the project, students expressed, 'a desire to be the custodians of their stories, that may otherwise go untold.'

Screen shot of presentation titled, Women in service quilt. Photographs of fabric squares with symbols sewn together with border. — Kangaroo Inn Area School's Women in service quilt.

Screen shot of presentation titled Gallery Walk. Text and images of students and guests at a school looking at students' work. — A celebration of learning with members of the school community including veterans who had shared their experiences. The Gallery Walk featured veteran stories, a timeline of women's service, artwork analysis and quilt.

NSW winner: St Patrick's College for Girls, Campbelltown

History Club students from Years 7 to 11 showed a strong commitment to learning about women in service. They prepared interview questions and spoke with 8 veterans. Students took time to listen and connect to these stories. The judging panel admired the students for seeking to understand the women's experiences and the lasting impact of service. Students created an impressive webpage. The information explored the contributions of service women from the Second South African (Boer) War to the Vietnam War. Reflecting on the project, the students said, 'We were inspired by the women we interviewed, and their journeys made a strong impression on us as young women ourselves.'

A panel of guest speakers sit at the front of a classroom with students seated at desks. — History Club students conduct interviews with veterans and current serving ADF members.

Qld winner: St Teresa's College, Abergowrie

Year 10 Humanities students brought their learning to life through a community-focused project. The entry honoured the service and sacrifice of Australia's veterans. The judges commended the students for supporting veterans and raising awareness by participating in the Virtual Army Run. 'People can help veterans by joining fun runs such as Run Army to raise money … They can also go to commemorative services such as Anzac Day to show support.' Their learning was further enriched through an excursion to the North Queensland Army Museum. Students compared the experiences of women in the Second World War with those of women serving today.

Students seated in front of a Roll of Honour board with a man standing in front of the wall. — Students interviewed veterans and attended the North Queensland Army museum.

SA winner: Walford Anglican School for Girls, Adelaide

Six dedicated Year 7 students took up the challenge to learn more about women in service. The presentation title, 'Stories that should be remembered', resonated strongly with the judges. The information featured inspirational servicewomen from the past to the present. The entry highlighted the diverse ways women have contributed to Australia's military history. Reflecting on the impact of their research, the students wrote, 'their stories encourage respect, equality, and the understanding that everyone can contribute to their community in meaningful ways.'

Front page of presentation titled, Stories that should be remembered: Women in service. A collage of images with women in uniform cover the background. Two poppies are on the title. — Front page of the presentation titled, ‘Stories that should be remembered.’

Tas winner: Lenah Valley Primary School, Lenah Valley

Students from 4H shared their learning through an engaging Gallery Walk. The gallery celebrated women's contributions to service. It was an impressive display of military artefacts, memorabilia, uniforms and medals. The exhibition also featured the students' work. A guest speaker from the ADF shared valuable insights into service life. He also spoke about the achievements of several Tasmanian service women. The judges commended the student historians, who examined photographs and historical sources.

Photo of women seated at long tables in front of sewing machines in a large warehouse. A student has written a caption, "In 1918, women go to clothing factories making clothes for soldiers." — An example of student historian work.

Vic winner: Holy Trinity Primary School, Wantirna South

Years 5 and 6 students transformed their research and learning into meaningful action. The students were inspired by meeting veterans and current-serving ADF members. In recognition of their learning, the students created a memorial garden. They carefully selected every part of the garden. The colours, images and plants symbolically represent the experiences, contributions and legacy of women in service. The memorial poles featured service women across the different branches of the ADF.

Four poles painted with symbols representing women in the Navy, Army, Air Force and nurses stand tall in a garden. — Memorial poles featuring Navy, nurses, Army and Air Force.

WA winner: Anzac Terrace Primary School, Bassendean

The whole school were part of the entry. Students were engaged in rich and diverse learning experiences that explored the stories, experiences and contributions of Australian women in defence. Students showcased their learning through a website. It featured student reporters who shared updates on activities across the year levels. Reflecting on their learning, Samuel and James observed, 'Back in the old days, women in the Army had lots of rules and restrictions. They were paid less than men and could only do certain jobs. Women also had to leave the Army when they got married or had children, but now they are allowed to stay and continue their careers.'

Aerial vision of a child reading a picture book with a service dog laying on the floor. Five paper poppies are arranged on the carpet. — Year 3 student reads, ‘Anzac Girl, The War Diaries of Alice Ross King’ by Jess Racklyeft to Maisy, an Army Service Dog.

Special Category award recipients

Brigadier Bill Rolfe AO Award for Veteran Involvement: Jerrabomberra Primary School, Jerrabomberra, NSW

The entry placed veterans, current-serving members and their stories at its heart. It was a striking presentation that featured a collage of photographs showcasing Defence mothers and their children. A particular highlight was the videos. One video by a current-serving member aboard HMAS Brisbane provided fascinating insights into life at sea. The videos highlighted the many ways military service can shape family life. The school's Anzac Day service honoured and recognised the contributions of women in service over the past 125 years.

Photograph of students standing in front of a large screen with flags hanging on the wall. A large audience looks on. — Students attended the Anzac Day service which honoured 125 years of women in service.

Innovative Idea Award: St Joseph's College, Lochinvar, NSW

This entry demonstrated meaningful acts of remembrance. The judges were particularly impressed with the Wreath of Remembrance. The wreath honoured the contributions of women in service. The strips represented the different roles of women in service. This included nursing in the First World War, women's experiences during the Second World War, and life on the home front. It also represented Indigenous service and contemporary defence roles. The wreath symbolised unity and respect. It recognised the diverse experiences and enduring impact of women in service, past and present.

Diversity in Service Award: St Patrick's College for Girls, Campbelltown

The History Club's website included a page dedicated to women of diverse backgrounds. They honoured these women's experiences by sharing their stories. The entry also commemorated First Nations women in service. The students included images and information about the significant contributions made by First Nations women. The text provided a history of First Nations women's service and explored some of the challenges they faced.

Remote Schools Award: Burdekin Catholic High School, Ayr, QLD

Year 10 History students created a detailed and engaging presentation. The slides explored the different branches of the Australian Defence Force and the evolving role of women within. The judging panel enjoyed the presentation's interactive element. The slides took them on a journey through time. The information highlighted changing opportunities and responsibilities for women in service. Students honoured the contributions of significant women by highlighting their achievements.

Specialist Educational Settings Award: Redcliffe Special School, Redcliffe, QLD

This entry showcased a whole-school approach. Students were engaged in a range of rich learning experiences. Activities included research tasks, excursions and guest speakers. Students responded through writing and artworks. The judges were impressed with the display. The exhibition featured photographs, uniforms and artworks. Students explored the lives and achievements of remarkable servicewomen. They compared their experiences to aviation pioneer Nancy Bird Walton.

Certificate of Excellence winners

NSW

International Maarif Schools of Australia, Auburn

John Edmondson High School, Horningsea

Qld

Forrest Beach State School, Forrest Beach

St John's Anglican College, Forest Lake

St Margaret's Anglican Girls School, Ascot

SA

Mount Barker High School, Mount Barker

Vic

Knox Park Primary School, Knoxfield

View other 2026 entries