Our Proserpine State High School student Allegra Bradley has returned to Australia after her life-changing Anzac Tour of Europe walking in the footsteps of our Anzacs.
The trip was made possible due to Allegra's success as being named one of eight Premier's Anzac Prize recipients from across Queensland for 2025.
As part of the application process, Allegra had to submit a video research project about a local service person.
“I meet with local historians and ex-service men who were very kind to share with me their stories," Allegra said.
“I was inspired by their stories of resilience, courage and bravery, which are valuable lessons we the younger generation can take forward into the future."
Allegra and her fellow recipients had the incredible opportunity in January to partake in a 3-day Young Historians Workshop delivered by the State Library of Queensland.
Here they explored the rich tapestry of stories of Australia's service personnel while also visiting important Australian war memorial sites in Brisbane city.
A highlight for Allegra, however, was the exclusive white glove experience at the State Library where students were allowed a behind-the-scenes look at research material to deepen their understanding of their service person they had chosen to explore in their application.
Donning white gloves to preserve the records, they viewed and handled precious World War I artefacts and first-hand accounts such as journals, trench art and letters from decades ago.
This experience provided Allegra with more of an in-depth understanding of the Anzac legacy that she shared her research with students from Proserpine State School before her trip to inspire them about the Anzac spirit.
On April 11, the Anzac Tour began and included visits to war memorial sites, former battlefields, museums and many world-renowned historical landmarks throughout England, France and Belgium, with their attendance at the dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux the most memorable.
Allegra said her favourite memory from the tour was Anzac Day Dawn Service.
“The dawn service was unlike any I've been to, and following that, we were immersed into the community of Le Hamel, which allowed us to gain the perspective of the impact and appreciation the people of France have with Australia," she said.
Research wasn't Allegra's only focus in the lead up to the tour. The Premier's Prize recipients spearheaded fundraising initiatives across the state that raised more than $20,000 for Australian charity Mates4Mates that supports the mental health of veterans and their families.
“The Anzacs are our nation's heroes, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service," Premier David Crisafulli said.
“I want all young Queenslanders to feel proud and connected to their Anzac roots and this prize awards them with a first-hand experience of our rich war history.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the Premier's Anzac Prize provided students with a meaningful and unforgettable experience.
“This journey is academically enriching, but it also helps students to create close bonds, lifelong friendships and core memories," Minister Langbroek said.
The Premier's Anzac Prize is proudly delivered in partnership with RSL Queensland and with the support of the State Library of Queensland.
Applications for this year's Premier's Anzac Prize are now open. For more information about the prestigious annual program or to apply, visit https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/budgets-funding-grants/scholarships/premiers-anzac-prize/this-years-program.